Just wandering if anyone knows if it is easy to change the timing belt + tensioners? Is it hard yakka? Would I need a servie/repair manual? Where can I obtain one? Any help muchly appreciated!

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Soon to be driving a S204...

iv never done one myself though you can get a service manuel from pitstop bookshop in the city PH: 1300 666 422. just so you know the manuels you buy from there for the subi's are on cd and bootleged verry badly there also $40. iv got one and they dont really tell you much, i found that anything you looking for it will only glaze over the subject but i think its the best you can get unfortunatly.

HI V5 STI R

I recently changed my timing belt with the help of my uncle who is a mechanic on a MY99 WRX.

To gain access to the belt is fairly straight forward, i would advise 2 remove radiator fans to give some extra clearance.

We had alot of trouble to line up the timing marks on the cam sprockets - always out by 1 tooth.

Bet we persisted and got it in the end.

Make sure you adjust / check the timing belt guides - reason why i had 2 change the belt again. Mine were never adjusted properly on my 100k service and were digging into the belt

Good Luck

Anthony

As Anthony said it is quite simple. Take out the rad fans, belts and idler pulley bracket, put engine on TDC, remove crank shaft bolt and pulley, remove timing cover, remove tensioner and put in vice to slowly compress the tensioner, put in locking pin, check seals, timing belt idlers and waterpump for leakage and noise, line up timing marks and reinstall everything, make sure there is no excesssive looseness on the bottom half of the belt (between the exhaust-idler-another idler-waterpump to exhaust cam) put in your tensioner, pull pin, spin around and make sure timing marks line up, timing covers and crank pulley/bolt on and start her up and make sure she runs still.

Basically it is a simple job (for a timing belt job) but can be very costly if you stuff it up so be carefull

Regards,


Tom

its alot alot easier taking out the radiator than removing the fans...

also, if u have something slip, say a spanner or a ratchet, you wont rip out half of the core of the radiator

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Wand basics:
One must brake with the left hand and steer with the right foot.
Having Defi's does not make Racecar..