🔧 Outback - Timing “Belt” Replacement (Timing Chain System)

Your Outback does not use a timing belt. It uses a timing chain, which is lubricated by engine oil and is typically not a scheduled maintenance item.

Timing chain replacement is only done when there’s a problem (chain rattle, cam/crank correlation codes, guide/tensioner failure, oil-leak reseal work). This job is very involved and requires exact Subaru torque sequences and sealant steps.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 8-14 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cold engine; hot coolant and exhaust can burn you.
• ⚠️ Support the vehicle with jack stands on a level surface; never rely on a jack.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent accidental cranking.
• ⚠️ Keep fingers/tools away from the radiator fans; they can turn on unexpectedly.
• ⚠️ If cam/crank timing is set wrong, you can cause major engine damage.
• ⚠️ This repair requires OEM torque specs and tightening order; have a Subaru service manual source available.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Drain pan (at least 10-quart)
• Funnel
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 1/2" drive breaker bar
• Torque wrench (20-200 ft-lbs range)
• Socket set (8mm-24mm)
• Wrench set (8mm-19mm)
• Extensions (3", 6", 12")
• Universal joint adapter
• Trim clip removal tool
• Flathead screwdriver
• Pliers
• Serpentine belt tool (14mm)
• Harmonic balancer puller kit
• Crank pulley holding tool (specialty)
• Camshaft holding/locking tool set (specialty)
• Plastic razor scraper
• Brake cleaner spray
• RTV sealant applicator nozzle

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Timing chain - Qty: 1
• Timing chain tensioner - Qty: 1
• Timing chain guides - Qty: 1 set
• Front timing cover RTV sealant (Subaru-spec) - Qty: 1
• Front crankshaft seal - Qty: 1
• Engine oil (0W-20 full synthetic) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Engine coolant (Subaru-compatible) - Qty: 2-3 gallons (as needed)
• Serpentine belt - Qty: 1
• Accessory drive hardware/clips (assorted) - Qty: as needed

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Disconnect the battery: use a 10mm socket to remove the negative (-) terminal and isolate it.
• Plan for fluids: you will drain engine oil and likely drain coolant into a drain pan.
• Know these terms: TDC means “top dead center,” the position where cylinder 1 is at the top of its stroke.
• Important: Have Subaru torque specs and sealant bead pattern ready before opening the timing cover.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise the front and remove the under covers

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front and set it on jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Remove the engine splash shields/under covers using a trim clip removal tool and 10mm socket.

Step 2: Drain engine oil and (if needed) coolant

• Place a drain pan (at least 10-quart) under the oil pan and remove the drain plug using a 14mm socket.
• Remove the oil filter with an oil filter wrench (use your pliers only if it’s an emergency).
• If the timing cover removal will disturb coolant hoses, drain coolant into the drain pan and catch spills with rags.

Step 3: Remove accessory drive components

• Release belt tension using a serpentine belt tool (14mm) and remove the belt.
• Remove any components blocking the front cover (varies by layout) using a socket set (8mm-14mm) and extensions.
• Bag bolts by step to avoid mix-ups.

Step 4: Remove the crank pulley (harmonic balancer)

• Use a crank pulley holding tool (specialty) to prevent the engine from turning.
• Remove the crank pulley bolt using a 1/2" drive breaker bar and correct-size socket.
• If the pulley is stuck, use a harmonic balancer puller kit to remove it straight off.
• Torque to factory specification during reassembly (critical fastener).

Step 5: Set the engine to TDC and lock the cams

• Rotate the engine by hand using a ratchet and the crank bolt (temporarily installed) until timing marks align.
• Install the camshaft holding/locking tool set (specialty) (these tools keep cam gears from moving).
• Do not rotate the crank or cams once the chain is off.

Step 6: Remove the front timing cover

• Remove timing cover bolts using a socket set (10mm-12mm) and extensions.
• Gently separate the cover. Use a plastic razor scraper only; avoid gouging aluminum sealing surfaces.
• Clean old sealant with plastic razor scraper and brake cleaner spray until dry and oil-free.

Step 7: Remove the chain, guides, and tensioner

• Relieve and remove the tensioner using the appropriate socket.
• Remove the chain guides using a socket set.
• Remove the timing chain, keeping track of timing marks and orientation.

Step 8: Install the new chain, guides, and tensioner

• Install the new guides using a torque wrench; torque to factory specification.
• Align the chain’s colored links (if equipped) to the cam and crank timing marks.
• Install the new tensioner using a torque wrench; torque to factory specification.
• Release/activate the tensioner per its design (some are “pinned” and then released).
• Double-check marks before sealing the cover.

Step 9: Reseal and reinstall the timing cover

• Apply Subaru-spec RTV sealant in the correct bead pattern using the RTV sealant applicator nozzle.
• Install the timing cover and hand-start all bolts using a socket set.
• Tighten in an even pattern using a torque wrench; torque to factory specification.
• Install a new front crankshaft seal if removed, using appropriate drivers from your socket set.

Step 10: Reinstall crank pulley and accessories

• Reinstall the crank pulley and bolt using the crank pulley holding tool (specialty) and torque wrench.
• Torque to factory specification (critical).
• Reinstall accessory components using your socket set and wrench set.
• Install the new serpentine belt using the serpentine belt tool (14mm).

Step 11: Refill fluids and reinstall under covers

• Install a new oil filter hand-tight, then refill oil using a funnel with 0W-20 full synthetic.
• Refill coolant (if drained) using a funnel, then bleed air as required.
• Reinstall under covers using a 10mm socket and trim clip removal tool.

---

✅ After Repair

• Reconnect the battery negative terminal using a 10mm socket.
• Start the engine and let it idle. Listen for abnormal rattles from the timing cover area.
• Check for oil and coolant leaks around the timing cover and crank seal.
• After a short test drive, re-check fluid levels and look again for leaks.
• If the check-engine light comes on, scan for codes (cam/crank correlation codes indicate timing is off).

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $1,800-$3,500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $350-$900 (parts only)

You Save: $1,450-$2,600 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 8-14 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.