🔧 Forester - Timing System Replacement

Your Forester’s 2.5L naturally aspirated engine uses an internal timing chain, not a rubber timing belt. There is no normal timing belt replacement service on your Forester.

If you are trying to fix timing noise, cam/crank correlation codes, chain stretch, oil leaks at the timing cover, or failed guides, the correct repair is timing chain service. This is a major engine-front repair that requires careful timing alignment.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 8-12 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Do not attempt this repair unless you are comfortable removing engine covers, sealing aluminum engine parts, and setting cam/crank timing.
• ⚠️ Incorrect timing can cause engine damage or a no-start condition.
• ⚠️ Work with the engine completely cool to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable before removing front engine components.
• ⚠️ Support the vehicle securely if raising it. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• ⚠️ Keep RTV sealant out of oil passages. Excess sealant can block lubrication and damage the engine.
• ⚠️ Mark timing positions before removal, but do not rely on paint marks alone. Use the factory timing marks.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 22mm socket
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 1/2-inch drive breaker bar
• 1/2-inch drive torque wrench
• 3/8-inch drive torque wrench
• Socket extension set
• Crankshaft pulley holder (specialty)
• Harmonic balancer puller (specialty)
• Plastic trim clip remover
• Plastic scraper
• Razor scraper
• Drain pan
• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Fender cover
• Shop towels
• Paint marker
• Flashlight
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Timing chain - Qty: 1
• Timing chain guide set - Qty: 1
• Timing chain tensioner - Qty: 1
• Front timing cover sealant - Qty: 1
• Front crankshaft seal - Qty: 1
• Accessory drive belt - Qty: 1
• Engine oil - Qty: 5.1 quarts
• Engine oil filter - Qty: 1
• Engine coolant - Qty: As needed

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Forester on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and let the engine cool fully.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket.
• Take photos of belt routing, hose routing, and wiring clips before removal.
• A timing chain synchronizes the crankshaft and camshafts so the valves open at the correct time.
• A tensioner uses spring and oil pressure to keep the chain tight.
• A guide is a plastic-faced rail that the chain rides against.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect the Battery

• Use a 10mm socket to loosen the negative battery terminal clamp.
• Move the cable away from the battery post so it cannot spring back.

Step 2: Raise and Support the Front

• Use a floor jack to lift the front of your Forester at the approved front jacking point.
• Place jack stands under the front support points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the jack stands.
• Keep the floor jack lightly positioned as a backup.

Step 3: Remove the Lower Splash Shield

• Use a plastic trim clip remover to remove the lower engine cover clips.
• Use a 12mm socket for any splash shield bolts.
• Set the shield and clips aside in order.

Step 4: Drain Engine Oil and Coolant

• Place a drain pan under the oil drain plug.
• Use a 17mm socket to remove the oil drain plug.
• Drain the engine oil completely.
• Reinstall the oil drain plug and Torque to 44 Nm (32 ft-lbs).
• Move the drain pan under the radiator drain area and drain enough coolant to keep it below the timing cover level.

Step 5: Remove the Accessory Drive Belt

• Use a 14mm socket or serpentine belt tool on the belt tensioner.
• Rotate the tensioner to release belt pressure.
• Slide the belt off one upper pulley and remove it from the engine bay.
• Take a routing photo first.

Step 6: Remove Obstructing Front Components

• Use 10mm and 12mm sockets to remove front brackets, harness retainers, and covers that block timing cover access.
• Use a plastic trim clip remover for wire clips so they do not break.
• Label connectors with tape if needed.

Step 7: Remove the Crankshaft Pulley

• Install the crankshaft pulley holder onto the crank pulley.
• Use a 22mm socket and 1/2-inch breaker bar to loosen the crankshaft pulley bolt.
• Remove the bolt and washer.
• Use a harmonic balancer puller if the pulley will not slide off by hand.
• Do not pry against the timing cover.

Step 8: Remove the Front Timing Cover

• Use 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm sockets to remove the timing cover bolts.
• Note bolt locations because lengths vary.
• Use a plastic scraper to separate the cover at the factory pry points.
• Do not drive a screwdriver between the aluminum sealing surfaces.

Step 9: Set Cylinder 1 at Top Dead Center

• Use a 22mm socket on the crankshaft bolt temporarily threaded into the crankshaft.
• Rotate the engine clockwise only until the factory timing marks align.
• Top Dead Center means piston 1 is at the top of its stroke and the timing marks are aligned for service.
• Use a paint marker to add reference marks after the factory marks are aligned.

Step 10: Remove the Chain Tensioner

• Use a 10mm or 12mm socket, depending on fastener size, to remove the timing chain tensioner bolts.
• Remove the tensioner slowly so chain slack does not shift suddenly.
• Keep the chain supported by hand while removing guides.

Step 11: Remove Timing Chain Guides

• Use a 10mm or 12mm socket to remove the chain guide bolts.
• Remove the guides one at a time.
• Watch for broken plastic guide pieces inside the timing area.

Step 12: Remove the Timing Chain

• Carefully lift the timing chain off the camshaft sprockets and crankshaft sprocket.
• Do not rotate the crankshaft or camshafts after the chain is removed.
• If anything moves, stop and realign using the factory marks before installation.

Step 13: Install the New Timing Chain

• Align the colored chain links with the factory timing marks on the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets.
• Use the flashlight to confirm each timing mark is exact.
• The chain must sit fully on each sprocket tooth.

Step 14: Install New Guides and Tensioner

• Use a 10mm or 12mm socket to install the new timing chain guides.
• Use a 3/8-inch drive torque wrench to tighten guide bolts to the specification supplied with the service kit if included.
• Install the new timing chain tensioner with a 10mm or 12mm socket.
• Pull the tensioner locking pin only after the chain, guides, and marks are correctly positioned.

Step 15: Verify Timing by Hand

• Use a 22mm socket and breaker bar on the crankshaft bolt.
• Rotate the engine clockwise by hand two full crankshaft revolutions.
• Stop immediately if you feel hard contact.
• Recheck the timing marks after rotation.
• Colored chain links may not line up again right away; factory sprocket timing marks must be correct.

Step 16: Clean the Sealing Surfaces

• Use a plastic scraper to remove old sealant from the engine and timing cover.
• Use a razor scraper only on stubborn spots and keep it flat to avoid gouging aluminum.
• Wipe the surfaces clean with shop towels.
• Do not leave loose sealant inside the engine.

Step 17: Install the Front Crankshaft Seal

• Use a seal driver or a flat, matching-size driver to press the new crankshaft seal squarely into the timing cover.
• Lightly oil the inner lip of the seal with clean engine oil.
• Do not fold the seal lip during installation.

Step 18: Reinstall the Timing Cover

• Apply front timing cover sealant in the factory bead pattern.
• Carefully place the timing cover onto the engine without smearing the sealant.
• Use 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm sockets to install the bolts by hand first.
• Use a 3/8-inch drive torque wrench to tighten bolts evenly in stages.
• Follow the sealant cure time before adding oil if specified by the sealant manufacturer.

Step 19: Reinstall the Crankshaft Pulley

• Slide the crankshaft pulley onto the crankshaft by hand.
• Install the crankshaft pulley bolt and washer.
• Use the crankshaft pulley holder to prevent rotation.
• Use a 22mm socket and 1/2-inch drive torque wrench to tighten the crankshaft pulley bolt to factory specification.

Step 20: Reinstall the Accessory Belt

• Route the accessory drive belt using your photo.
• Use a 14mm socket or serpentine belt tool to rotate the tensioner.
• Slip the belt over the final pulley and slowly release the tensioner.
• Use the flashlight to confirm all belt ribs are seated correctly.

Step 21: Reinstall Covers and Brackets

• Use 10mm and 12mm sockets to reinstall any removed covers and brackets.
• Use the plastic trim clip remover to reinstall splash shield clips without bending them.
• Confirm wiring harnesses are clipped back in their original positions.

Step 22: Refill Oil and Coolant

• Install a new oil filter by hand until snug, then tighten according to the filter instructions.
• Add the correct amount of engine oil.
• Refill coolant as needed.
• Use shop towels to clean spills before startup.

Step 23: Reconnect the Battery

• Use a 10mm socket to reconnect the negative battery terminal.
• Make sure the clamp is tight and does not twist by hand.

---

✅ After Repair

• ✅ Crank the engine only after all tools are removed from the engine bay.
• ✅ Start the engine and let it idle while checking for oil or coolant leaks.
• ✅ Listen for rattling from the timing cover area. Shut off the engine if loud chain noise occurs.
• ✅ Watch the accessory belt for smooth tracking.
• ✅ Let the engine reach operating temperature, then top off coolant as needed.
• ✅ Recheck engine oil level after the engine sits for several minutes.
• ✅ If the check engine light comes on with cam/crank timing codes, stop driving and recheck mechanical timing.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $1,600-$2,800 parts + labor

DIY Cost: $250-$650 parts only

You Save: $1,000-$2,150 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 8-12 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.