Subaru Outback manuals

Subaru Outback: Front Strut

A: REMOVAL

1) Lift up the vehicle, and then remove the front wheels.

2) Remove the front strut.

  1. Place an alignment mark on the camber adjusting bolt and strut.
  2. Remove the brake hose bracket.

Subaru Outback. Front Suspension

  1. Remove the ABS wheel speed sensor harness.

Subaru Outback. Front Suspension

  1. Remove the two bolts securing the front axle housing to the strut.

NOTE: While holding the head of the adjusting bolt, loosen the flange nut.

  1. Remove the three nuts securing strut mount to body.

Subaru Outback. Front Suspension

B: INSTALLATION

1) Install the strut mount at the upper side of strut to body, and tighten it with new self-locking nuts.

Tightening torque: 20 N*m (2.04 kgf-m, 14.8 ft-lb)

2) Align alignment marks on the camber adjusting bolt and strut.

Using new self-locking nuts, install the strut to the front axle housing.

NOTE: While holding the head of adjusting bolt, tighten the self-locking nut.

Tightening torque: 155 N*m (15.81 kgf-m, 114.3 ft-lb)

3) Secure the ABS wheel speed sensor harness to the strut.

4) Install the brake hose bracket.

Tightening torque: 33 N*m (3.36 kgf-m, 24.3 ft-lb)

5) Install the front wheels.

6) Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust if necessary.

C: DISASSEMBLY

1) Using a coil spring compressor, compress the coil spring.

2) Using the ST, remove the self-locking nut.

PREPARATION TOOL: ST: STRUT MOUNT SOCKET (20399AG000)

Subaru Outback. Front Suspension

3) Remove the strut mount, spacer and upper spring seat from the strut.

4) Gradually decrease the compression force of compressor, and remove the coil spring.

5) Remove the dust cover and helper.

D: ASSEMBLY

1) Before assembly, check each part. <Ref. to FS-45, INSPECTION, Front Strut.>

2) Using a coil spring compressor, compress the coil spring.

NOTE: Make sure that the vertical install direction of the coil spring is as shown in the figure.

Subaru Outback. Front Suspension

  1. Diameter is small (upper part)
  2. Identification paint
  3. Diameter is large (bottom part)

3) Set the coil spring correctly so that its end face seats well in the spring seat as shown in the figure.

CAUTION: Install the coil spring so that the end of spring is between the marks on the spring seat.

Subaru Outback. Front Suspension

  1. Mark
  2. Spring
  3. Spring seat
  4. Install the spring within this area
  5. Coil spring end face

4) Install the dust cover and helper to the piston rod.

5) Pull the piston rod fully upward, and install the spring seat.

NOTE: Position the upper spring seat as shown in the figure.

Subaru Outback. Front Suspension

  1. Outside of body

6) Install the spacer and strut mount to the piston rod, and temporarily tighten a new self-locking nut.

7) Using a hexagon wrench to prevent strut rod from turning, tighten the new self-locking nut with ST.

PREPARATION TOOL: ST: STRUT MOUNT SOCKET (20399AG000)

Subaru Outback. Front Suspension

Tightening torque: 55 N*m (5.61 kgf-m, 40.6 ft-lb)

8) Loosen the coil spring compressor carefully.

E: INSPECTION

Check the removed part for wear, damage and cracks, and then repair or replace it if defective.

1. STRUT

1) Check for oil leaks.

2) Move the piston rod up and down to check that it operates smoothly without any hitch.

3) Check the piston rod for play as follows:

1. Fix the outer shell in place and fully extend the rod.

2. Set the dial gauge on the end of the rod L [10 mm (0.39 in) ].

3. While applying a force of W [20 N (2 kgf, 4 lbf) ] to the threaded part, read the dial gauge indication P1.

4. Apply a force of 20 N (2 kgf, 4 lbf) from the opposite direction of "W", and then read the dial gauge indication P2.

Subaru Outback. Front Suspension

Play limit (P1 + P2): 0.8 mm (0.031 in)

4) Replace the strut if faulty is found in the inspection or limit value is exceeded.

2. STRUT MOUNT

Check the rubber part for deformation, cracks or deterioration, and then replace it with a new part if defective.

3. DUST COVER

If cracks or damage are found, replace it with a new part.

4. COIL SPRING

If a permanent strain is found, replace it with a new part.

5. HELPER

If major cracks or damage are found, replace it with a new part.

F: DISPOSAL

CAUTION:

1) Place the strut on a level surface with the piston rod fully expanded.

2) Using a 2 - 3 mm (0.08 - 0.12 in) dia. drill, make holes in areas shown in the figure.

Subaru Outback. Front Suspension

  1. 40 mm (1.57 in)

General Diagnostic Table

A: INSPECTION

1. IMPROPER VEHICLE POSTURE OR IMPROPER WHEEL ARCH HEIGHT

Subaru Outback. Front Suspension

2. POOR RIDE COMFORT

1) Large rebound shock.

2) Rocking of the vehicle continues too long after running over bump and hump.

3) Excessive shock in bumping.

Subaru Outback. Front Suspension

3. NOISE

Subaru Outback. Front Suspension

READ NEXT:

 Rear Suspension

 General Description

A: SPECIFICATION Refer to "SPECIFICATIONS" in "FRONT SUSPENSION" section for rear suspension specifications. <Ref. to FS-2, SPECIFICATION, General Description.> NOTE: Front toe-in, rear toe-i

 Rear Stabilizer

A: REMOVAL 1) Lift up the vehicle, and then remove the rear wheels. 2) Remove the rear stabilizer. Remove left and right stabilizer links. Detach the stabilizer clamp and remove the rear stabilize

SEE MORE:

 Outback

Because of the AWD feature and higher ground clearance, your SUBARU can be driven on ordinary roads or off-road. But please keep in mind that an AWD SUBARU is a passenger car and is neither a conventional off-road vehicle nor an all-terrain vehicle. If you do take your SUBARU off-road, certain

 Front Vehicle Speed Sensor

A: REMOVAL 1) Remove the transmission assembly from the vehicle. <Ref. to 5AT-37, REMOVAL, Automatic Transmission Assembly.> 2) Disconnect the rear vehicle speed sensor connector. NOTE: Secure the transmission harness to the transmission body using wire etc. 3) Remove the extension case.

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