2002 Subaru Forester BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Automatic Transmission Assembly: Installation

  1. Install rear cushion rubber to transmission assembly.

    Tightening torque:Β  38 N.m (3.9 kgf-m, 28 ft-lb)

  2. Install ST to torque converter clutch case.

    ST 498277200:Β  STOPPER SET

    Fig 1: Installing Stopper Set To Torque Converter Clutch Case
    G02862470Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  3. Install transmission onto engine.
    1. Gradually raise transmission with transmission jack.
      Fig 2: Raising Transmission With Transmission Jack
      G02862471Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    2. Engage them at splines.
  4. Install transmission rear crossmember.

    Tightening torque:Β 

    1. T1:Β  35 N.m (3.6 kgf-m, 26 ft-lb)
    2. T2:Β  70 N.m (7.1 kgf-m, 51.4 ft-lb)
    Fig 3: Installing Transmission Rear Crossmember
    G02862472Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  5. Take off transmission jack.
  6. Tighten nuts and bolts which hold lower side of transmission to engine.

    Tightening torque:Β  50 N.m (5.1 kgf-m, 36.9 ft-lb)

    Fig 4: Tightening Nuts And Bolts Which Hold Lower Side Of Transmission To Engine
    G02862473Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  7. Lower the vehicle.
  8. Connect engine and transmission.
    1. Remove ST from torque converter clutch case.
      NOTE: Be careful not to drop the ST into the torque converter clutch case when removing ST.

      ST 498277200:Β  STOPPER SET

    2. Install starter. Refer to INSTALLATION under STARTER .
    3. Tighten bolt which holds right upper side of transmission to engine.

    Tightening torque:Β  50 N.m (5.1 kgf-m, 36.9 ft-lb)

    Fig 5: Tightening Bolt Which Holds Right Upper Side Of Transmission To Engine
    G02862474Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  9. Install torque converter clutch to drive plate.
    1. Tighten bolts which hold torque converter clutch to drive plate.
    2. Tighten other bolts while rotating the engine by using ST.
      CAUTION: Be careful not to drop bolts into torque converter clutch housing.

      ST 499977300:Β  CRANK PULLEY WRENCH

      Tightening torque:Β  25 N.m (2.5 kgf-m, 18.1 ft-lb)

      Fig 6: Installing Torque Converter Clutch To Drive Plate
      G02862475Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    3. Clog plug onto service hole.
  10. Remove ST.
    Fig 7: Removing Special Tool
    G02862476Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  11. Install pitching stopper.

    Tightening torque:Β 

    1. TV:Β  50 N.m (5.1 kgf-m, 37 ft-lb)
    2. T2:Β  58 N.m (5.9 kgf-m, 43 ft-lb)
    Fig 8: Installing Pitching Stopper
    G02862477Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  12. Lift-up the vehicle.

    Install front drive shafts into transmission.

    1. Lift-up the vehicle.
    2. Install front drive shaft into transmission.
    3. Drive spring pin into chamfered hole of drive shaft.
    CAUTION: Always use a new spring pin.
Factory Service Tools

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

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.