Hello forum,

Firstly, does anyone know if US and UK cambelts differ? Reason being that US WRX/STi models have mandatory replacement at 105,000 miles or 105 months which is I believe a legal requirement for US vehicles. This contrasts strongly with UK 50,000/5 years for 2006 models.

Secondly, UK-based Roger Clark Motorsport recently told me that in addition to replacing the cambelt at UK recommended intervals, I should also change the cambelt pulleys but did not specify when or why. I've never seen or heard of this before so would be grateful for any insight that members better informed than me can provide!

 

simply different market forces at work but all use basically the same belt in general terms...........

depends on exact age but various cars use a Bakelite type material for pulleys and these can be damaged due to mishandling, etc......IMO its an inspection type issue rather than a requirement per se

can assist with all of the above as required

 

Thank you!!

 

So of course the next question is, if I need to replace the pulleys how do I lock the camshafts in position?
There must be a special tool but I have yet to see one, let alone mention of this maintenance topic anywhere else!!

 

Plenty of helpful guides on YouTube plus any queries, ask here. I'd say take the belt off, then spin the pulleys to see if they're noisy. I wouldn't bother changing the water pump if it's an original Subaru one, as they're far superior to any aftermarket ones. Also, if you can, don't buy a kit, you'll end up with Chinese items, try sourcing the pulleys individually, that way you can buy genuine Japanese ones that'll last you.

 

Cam locking tools are widely available. RCM, ICP. You can use Google.

 

Does anyone actually *know* why Subaru used a Bakelite-like material for the inlet camshapft pulleys on various Imprezas? Cost really can't be a factor so I'm wondering if the material choice has something to do with e.g. minimising harmonic stresses on the belt??

 

it varied on model / production year..........in general they are very robust and presumably cost effective to produce and on later cars then they paired the steel AVCS inlet pulleys with the plastic exhaust