I,m sure it's been asked a thousand times before, but is changing the cambelt a DIY job or not? does it need any special equipment, and are any instructions/procedures available ?

 

You can DIY if you are relatively mechanically able:

Directions can befound here:

http://www.ravensblade-impreza.com/t.../dohctbelt.pdf

Life is made a lot easier by getting a belt with position marks on it (eg Gates Powergrip) and if you have the later tensioner (you will have) getting a replacement before you even crack the covers open (resetting them is a bit dubious to say the least) - also remove the rad.

I needed no special tools as suggested by the above doc - the cams didn't rotate though you do have to be careful of the right hand side ones (looking at engine from front) as they are 'on cam' so they are in danger of springing round.

I also took the oportunity to replace the front crank oil seal and the lower idler pullet as it was getting noisy...

 

No need to remove rad... just remove fan (or fans if air con model) save coolant

Deffo saves time with marked belt... phase two easier to change than phase one..

Agree about tensioner, better to change it on a 2000 car...

A Tip if you buy an unmarked belt.... your old belt should just have the marks visible.. using some tip ex mark the lines on the new belt using the old as ref.. make sure the belt is the right way round though (seriously)

Rob

 

Are the belts the same thru the years and models? e.g Forester same as WRX

 

yes

Turbo is different to N/A SOHC incase anyone wondered

Rob