🔧 Impreza - Timing Belt Replacement

Your Impreza does not use a timing belt. It uses a timing chain inside the engine, so there is no routine “timing belt replacement” interval like on older engines.

If you’re trying to fix a squeal or a cracked belt you can see under the hood, you’re likely talking about the serpentine (accessory drive) belt, not the timing chain.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate (drive belt) / Advanced (timing chain service) | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours (drive belt) / 8-14 hours (timing chain service)

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🧯 Work on a cool engine; belts and pulleys can burn you.
• 🧤 Keep fingers, hair, and clothing away from rotating parts.
• 🔋 If working near the starter/alternator wiring, disconnect the negative battery terminal with a 10mm wrench.
• 🚫 Never crank or start the engine with hands/tools near the belt path.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm wrench
• 12mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive torque wrench (10-80 Nm range)
• Serpentine belt tool or long 3/8" breaker bar
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Accessory drive belt (serpentine belt) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and let the engine cool completely.
• If you choose to disconnect the battery: remove the negative terminal using a 10mm wrench.
• Take a photo of belt routing first.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm what belt you’re trying to replace

• Use a flashlight to look at the front of the engine (passenger side area).
• If you can see the belt on pulleys (alternator/A/C), that’s the accessory drive belt.
• The timing chain is inside the engine behind covers and is not visible.

Step 2: Remove the accessory drive belt

• Locate the belt tensioner (spring-loaded pulley).
• Fit a serpentine belt tool or long 3/8" breaker bar into the tensioner’s square drive.
• Rotate the tensioner to relieve belt tension, then slide the belt off a smooth pulley with your free hand.
• Slowly release the tensioner back to rest. Don’t let it snap back.

Step 3: Install the new belt

• Route the new belt around the pulleys exactly like your photo (ribbed side goes into ribbed pulleys).
• Use the serpentine belt tool or long 3/8" breaker bar to rotate the tensioner again.
• Slip the belt over the last pulley, then release the tensioner slowly.

Step 4: Quick alignment check

• Use a flashlight and verify the belt ribs are seated in every pulley groove.
• If you removed any small covers/brackets: reinstall them using a 12mm socket and 3/8" ratchet.
• If you disconnected the battery: reconnect using a 10mm wrench.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and watch the belt for 10–20 seconds (from a safe distance).
• Listen for squeal, chirping, or slapping noises.
• Turn A/C on and headlights on to confirm normal operation under load.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$250 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $25-$70 (parts only)

You Save: $95-$180 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hours.

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🎯 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.

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Two quick questions so I guide you perfectly:

• 🔍 Are you trying to replace the visible accessory/serpentine belt, or did a shop specifically say “timing chain”?
• 🔊 What symptom do you have: squeal, rattling on cold start, check engine light, or no symptom (preventive)?