MACCAMY99

I'm in the process of changing the cambelt on a MY99 turbo. after taking the covers off I've noticed the tensioner is different to those shown in the manual for the 98 model. (Assume this is something to do with phase 2 changes?)
can anyone tell me, is the procedure for removing the belt the same? and do you have to orientate the tensioner in a certain direction to push it back ?

cheers

JIM THEO

Yes you should, have a look at www.scoobymods.com and www.ravensblade-impreza.com
JIM

MACCAMY99

thanks for the links Jim, the article recommends using a Hydraulic Press to push the tensioner rod back in! can it be done without one ?

Scott.T

iTrader: (2)

IMHO by a new tensioner, because if done wrong it may fail as soon as it goes back on.

Also the MY99/00 have been known to fail anyway, which is why if you buy one now it is of a revised design.

Check out Ebay...that's were I got mine .... alot cheaper then the dealer

RON

Scott,
I got one coming from a guy in Derby, the same one no doubt!

Also had an 801 ecu off him!!

I too need to work out how to change the tensioner!

JIM THEO

Every new cam belt tensioner has already pressed the rod so there is no need for a vertical press!
At least when Subaru service changed mine (WRX03 - failed from the factory!) it was pre tensioned with the pin inserted.
JIM

wrrjones

when we finnished off the rebuild on my 2002wrx the tensioner failed when refitted better off fitting a brand new one do no use s/h ...chris

MACCAMY99

thanks for the advice. The one I took off looks OK but I think I'll change it anyway if their prone to failure.

I also noticed the bottom idle pulley next to the water pump sounds a bit rough when I spin it, does anyone know how much a new one is ?

RON

Literally just finished changing my tensioner, not too difficult, it was actually harder to get the cover off than change the tensioner, the tricky bit is getting a pin through the holes to hold the tension, what I did was put the new tensioner in a vice (lightly) so I could release the pin, left it there whilst I used a bar to compress the old one, and then used the pin to hold it, I then put the old tensioner in another vice and removed the pin, and re-inserted it in the new tensioner, fitted it, released with a litlle help from a crow bar, and then put the pin into the old tensioner for safety!
Tip, when removing the cover, get a small mirror so that you don't end up undoing more bolts underneath than needed, once I got established it was actually easy, would feel much happier about doing the belt now I know what's involved!

Ron.