2003 WRX STi Cam belt change

[red997]

Anyone performed this DIY ?

I've spannered on many cars over the years, but not fiddled much with my other half's Scooby

From the Youtube video I've seen, it looks pretty straightforward. - not a quick job, but certainly do-able.

anyone done this, with any gotchas?

I've got the time over the Christmas break (forced to take 2 weeks off from work) and we don't need the car as a daily driver, so I can afford to take my time; have a lit heated double garage to work in, so it can stay in bits overnight .

open to suggestions of what to do / what not to do !

[ohtari]

Done mine myself, twice in the one year actually (long story). It's a relatively simple process, and because of the layout it's very easy to check, double check and tripple check the timing before bolting it all back up.

Basic process:

Drain and remove radiator
Remove alternator tensioner bracket thingy
Aux belts off
Crack the big nut on the pulley
remove the cam covers
Find TDC, all the cam pulleys are marked, it's very clear when you're in there
remove a roller to release the belt (bottom left IIRC)
remove & replace all the pulleys, water pump & tensioner. Torque to spec. I use a bit of instant gasket at the pump as well
Re-route new belt over pulleys
The right side (near side) cams have a bad habit of springing out of position. Don't panic, but there's only one direction you can turn them. Top clockwise/bottom ant-clockwise, but confirm before doing!
Put the bottom left pulley on to hold it all together
I was able to turn the lot without releasing the tensioner to check timing. Yours may vary.
Pull the grenade pin on the tensioner
Turn the engine over lots more times to check the timing. Be very certain that it's right!

I like to check before bolting everything back up. I start the engine with the covers off and listen for any strange noises or idling. Only let it do so for a few seconds so that it doesn't warm up.

Bolt all the covers, belts etc. back on in the reverse
Refit the radiator
IMPORTANT*** The flat four is a pig for air locking, and there isn't a system for bleeding it. Take the pipe off the back of the steel coolant tank feeding down towards the turbo area, slowly pour the mixed coolant down the pipe. Don't let it "glug". It's a pain, but it seems to work very well
Crack open a beer

It's doable in a day DIY. Just get all your torques and positions to hand before starting.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1...

[themanwithnoname]

Very easy, search for 'Meaty Timing Belt' and you'll see written and video step by steps.

[scoobydude]

Done it a few times, you don't need to take the rad out or drain it. just drop the fans off, plenty of room and no mess/problems bleeding the system.....

Edited by scoobydude on Monday 16th November 12:54

[red997]

oo like the idea of not draining the coolant;
I'm giving it a go over the break
Will do water / oil pups too whilst I'm there.

anyone have clutch replacement ecperience ?!
getting to the top of its travel now;
or is this one to leave to a garage

[red997]

well today's the day - the new cam belt kit should be turning up from Roger Clarke Motorsport;
better turn the heater on in the garage...
I'll replace the coolant as its not been done for years.
Skinned knuckles here I come !

[themanwithnoname]

Good luck dude.

Hopefully you'll be surprised at how oddly easy it all seems.

[red997]

aaaannndddd.... UPS tried to delivery the kit just the precise moment I was out in the garden leaf clearing !
bloody typical!
reattempt tomorrow

[red997]

All done - pretty straightforward really.

only one 'mishap' - one of the bolts holding the rad mount sheared off - bit of a bugger to drill out

Did a full fluids & filter(s) change whilst I was at it.
here's to another 50K!