Timing belt

[mbjj]

It's time to change the timing belt in my '98 Impreza [2.2L]. What's the
easiest way to get the crankshaft pully bolt out without using a strap or
chain wrench? [I don't have one] It doesn't have the clearance to get an
impact gun on it unless I take off the radiator and condenser. I tried to
loosen the bolt with the transaxle in gear and e-break on but the pulley
turned with the socket. This is my first timing belt change so any insight
would be helpful.

Thanks

 

[Rick Courtright]

It's time to change the timing belt in my '98 Impreza [2.2L]. What's the
easiest way to get the crankshaft pully bolt out without using a strap or

Hi,

This subject comes up frequently, so a google on "timing belt" in this
NG should lead you to some of the hints. Some are aimed at manual
gearboxes, some at autos, so your car should be covered.

Good luck,

Rick

 

[null_pointer]

It's time to change the timing belt in my '98 Impreza [2.2L]. What's the
easiest way to get the crankshaft pully bolt out without using a strap or
chain wrench? [I don't have one] It doesn't have the clearance to get an
impact gun on it unless I take off the radiator and condenser. I tried to
loosen the bolt with the transaxle in gear and e-break on but the pulley
turned with the socket. This is my first timing belt change so any insight
would be helpful.

Thanks

I used an appropriate socket on a breaker bar braced against an
immoveable part of the right side of the engine compartment. I had a
friend crank the engine for a split second....spun the bolt right off.
This sounds scary, and it is, but I've been doing it this way for 20
years as a mechanic and owner and have never had a problem with it.
You DO need to be very sure which way the engine turns and put the bar
in an appropriate position. For a little additional safety, slide a
4-5 foot pipe over the breaker bar. Good luck

 

[AgriX]

I recall some serviceman hit his head with such breaker bar extended with
~2m pipe, also starter on my old Passat Syncro was broken when they cranked
the engine... Unfortunately I noticed starter problem later.
Needless to say, I never went back to that service again.

Agris

It's time to change the timing belt in my '98 Impreza [2.2L]. What's the
easiest way to get the crankshaft pully bolt out without using a strap or
chain wrench? [I don't have one] It doesn't have the clearance to get an
impact gun on it unless I take off the radiator and condenser. I tried to
loosen the bolt with the transaxle in gear and e-break on but the pulley
turned with the socket. This is my first timing belt change so any insight
would be helpful.

Thanks

I used an appropriate socket on a breaker bar braced against an
immoveable part of the right side of the engine compartment. I had a
friend crank the engine for a split second....spun the bolt right off.
This sounds scary, and it is, but I've been doing it this way for 20
years as a mechanic and owner and have never had a problem with it.
You DO need to be very sure which way the engine turns and put the bar
in an appropriate position. For a little additional safety, slide a
4-5 foot pipe over the breaker bar. Good luck

 

[umberto]

I did the timing belt for this particular model, I removed the
radiator (very easy) and let the AC-radiator in place. I then had
enough space to use an impact gun, but not eough space to use it
staight. I took an impact universal joint extension, that way I could
use the imp. wrench in a 35 degree upwards angle. Worked well, the nut
came loose in 3 seconds.
Umberto

 

[CRGILL]

On a manual venicle simply put in in 4th gear.

On an auto, remove the cover from the LHS of the transmission cover near the
intake manifold. This gives access to the flywheel which has slots cut in it.
Hold the flywheel with a large screwdriver or bar. Use a long bar on the
socket for the pulley nut & away you go.