Front Differential

1998 Subaru Legacy Brighton Wagon AWD F4-2.2L SOHCSECTION Front Differential
A: DISASSEMBLY





1. Remove right and left snap rings (1) from differential, and then remove two axle drive shafts (2).

NOTE: During reassembly, reinstall each axle drive shaft in the same place from which it was removed.

2. Loosen twelve bolts (3) and remove hypoid drive gear (4).





3. Drive out straight pin (5) from differential assembly toward hypoid driven gear.
Special Service Tool(SST) 899904100 REMOVER





4. Pull out pinion shaft (6), and remove differential bevel pinion (7) and gear (8) and washer (9).





5. Remove roller bearing using (SST).
SST 399527700 PULLER SET

B: ASSEMBLY





1. Install bevel gear and bevel pinion together with washers, and insert pinion shaft (1).

NOTE: Face the chamfered side of washer toward gear.








2. Measure backlash between bevel gear and pinion. If it is not within specifications, install a suitable washer to adjust it.

Standard backlash:
0.13 - 0.18 mm (0.0051 - 0.0071 inch)


SST1 498247001 MAGNET BASE
SST2 498247100 DIAL GAUGE

NOTE: Be sure the pinion gear tooth contacts adjacent gear teeth during measurement.





3. Align pinion shaft and differential case at their holes, and drive straight pin (5) into holes from the hypoid driven gear side, using SST.
SST 899904100 REMOVER

NOTE: Lock straight pin after installing.





4. Install roller bearing (40 x 80 x 19.75) to differential case.

NOTE: Be careful because roller bearing outer races are used as a set.

SST1 499277100 BUSH 1-2 INSTALLER
SST2 398497701 ADAPTER





5. Install hypoid driven gear (4) to differential case using twelve bolts (3).

Tightening torque:
62 ± 5 Nm (6.3 ± 0.5 kg-m, 45.6 ± 3.6 ft. lbs.)









6. Position drive axle shaft in differential case and hold it with outer snap ring (28). Using a thickness gauge, measure clearance between the shaft and case is within specifications.

Clearance:
0 - 0.2 mm (0 - 0.008 inch)


If it is not within specifications, replace snap ring with a suitable one.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.