2008 Subaru Outback Base, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Automatic Transmission Assembly: Installation

  1. Replace the differential side oil seal with a new part. < Ref. to REPLACEMENT , Differential Side Retainer Oil Seal. >
    NOTE: When a new oil seal has been installed, replacement is not required.
  2. Install the rear cushion rubber to the transmission assembly.

    Tightening torque: 

    40 N.m (4.1 kgf-m, 29.5 ft-lb) 

  3. Attach the ST to the converter case.

    ST 498277200 STOPPER SET

    Fig 1: Identifying Stopper Set
    G05002491Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  4. Install the transmission onto the engine.
    1. Lift up the transmission gradually using transmission jack.
      Fig 2: Removing/Installing Transmission
      G05002490Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    2. Insert the engine side stud bolt into the transmission bolt hole.
    3. While raising the transmission jack gradually, turn the screw of engine support, then tilt the engine forward and connect.
  5. Install the transmission rear crossmember.

    Tightening torque: 

    T1: 35 N.m (3.6 kgf-m, 25.8 ft-lb) 

    T2: 75 N.m (7.6 kgf-m, 55.3 ft-lb) 

    Fig 3: Identifying Transmission Rear Crossmember
    G05326558Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  6. Remove the transmission jack.
  7. Tighten the bolts and nuts which hold the lower side of transmission to the engine.

    Tightening torque: 

    50 N.m (5.1 kgf-m, 36.9 ft-lb) 

    Fig 4: Locating Gasket Lower Side Of Transmission To Engine Bolts
    G05002488Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  8. Install the clutch housing cover bolts.
  9. Lower the lift.
  10. Connect the engine and transmission.
    1. Remove the ST from converter case.
      NOTE: When removing the ST, be careful not to drop it into converter case.

      ST 498277200 STOPPER SET

    2. Install the starter. < Ref. to INSTALLATION , Starter. >
    3. Tighten the bolts which hold the upper side of the transmission to the engine.

      Tightening torque: 

      50 N.m (5.1 kgf-m, 36.9 ft-lb) 

      Fig 5: Identifying Upper Side Of Transmission To Engine Bolts
      G05002484Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  11. Install the torque converter assembly to the drive plate.
    CAUTION:
    • Be careful not to damage the mounting bolts.
    • Be careful not to drop bolts into the converter case.
    1. Tighten the bolts which hold the torque converter assembly to the drive plate.
    2. Place the wrench on the crank pulley bolt, and remove all the bolts while rotating the crank pulley a little bit at a time.

      Tightening torque: 

      25 N.m (2.5 kgf-m, 18.4 ft-lb) 

      Fig 6: Removing/Installing Crank Pulley
      G05002480Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    3. Fit the plug to service hole.
    4. Install the V-belt cover.
  12. Remove the ST.
    Fig 7: Installing Pitching Stopper Bracket
    G04994049Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  13. Install the engine harness bracket.

    Tightening torque: 

    T1: 16 N.m (1.6 kgf-m, 11.6 ft-lb) 

    T2: 36 N.m (3.6 kgf-m, 26.0 ft-lb) 

    Fig 8: Identifying Engine Harness Bracket
    G05021805Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  14. Install the harness connector to engine harness bracket, then connect the harness.
  15. Install the pitching stopper bracket.

    Tightening torque: 

    41 N.m (4.2 kgf-m, 30.2 ft-lb) 

    Fig 9: Identifying Pitching Stopper Bracket
    G05021806Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  16. Install the throttle body. < Ref. to INSTALLATION , Throttle Body. >
  17. Install the pitching stopper.

    Tightening torque: 

    T1: 50 N.m (5.1 kgf-m, 36.9 ft-lb) 

    T2: 58 N.m (5.9 kgf-m, 42.8 ft-lb) 

    Fig 10: Identifying Pitching Stopper
    G05668273Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  18. Lift up the vehicle.
  19. Replace the circlip of the front drive shaft with a new part.
  20. Apply grease to the oil seal lip.
  21. Attach the ST to side retainer.

    ST 28399SA010 OIL SEAL PROTECTOR

    Fig 11: Identifying Oil Seal Protector
    G05002499Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  22. Align and insert the spline of the front drive shaft to the splines of the differential bevel gear, and remove the ST.

    ST 28399SA010 OIL SEAL PROTECTOR

  23. Insert the front drive shaft into the transmission securely by pressing the front housing from the outside.
    Fig 12: Inserting Front Drive Shaft Into Transmission Securely By Pressing Front Housing
    G05002500Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  24. Install the ball joint into the housing.
  25. Tighten the attachment bolts.

    Tightening torque: 

    50 N.m (5.1 kgf-m, 36.9 ft-lb) 

    Fig 13: Locating Ball Joint Bolt
    G05021794Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  26. Install the stabilizer to the crossmember.
    NOTE:
    • Install the bushing (on front crossmember side) while aligning it with the paint mark on the stabilizer.
    • Make sure the bushing and stabilizer are marked with the same identification colors (paint mark) when installing.
      Fig 14: Identifying Stabilizer To Crossmember
      G05668277Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  27. Always tighten the rubber bushing locations with wheels in full contact with the ground and the vehicle at curb weight.

    Tightening torque: 

    25 N.m (2.5 kgf-m, 18.4 ft-lb) 

  28. Install the shift select cable onto select lever. < Ref. to INSTALLATION , Select Cable. >
  29. Install the oil charge pipe, and connect the ATF cooler hoses to the pipe.
    Fig 15: Identifying Oil Charge Pipe
    G05668259Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  30. Install the propeller shaft. < Ref. to INSTALLATION . >
  31. Install the heat shield cover.
    Fig 16: Identifying Heat Shield Cover
    G05019661Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  32. Install the rear exhaust pipe and muffler. < Ref. to INSTALLATION , Rear Exhaust Pipe. > < Ref. to INSTALLATION , Muffler. >
  33. Install the front exhaust pipe. < Ref. to INSTALLATION , Front Exhaust Pipe. >
  34. Install the under cover.
  35. Lower the lift.
  36. Install the ATF level gauge.
    Fig 17: Identifying ATF Level Gauge
    G05021787Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  37. Connect the following connectors.
    1. Transmission harness connectors
    2. Transmission ground terminal
  38. Install the air intake chamber stay.

    Tightening torque: 

    16 N.m (1.6 kgf-m, 11.6 ft-lb) 

  39. Install the air intake chamber. < Ref. to INSTALLATION , Air Intake Chamber. >
  40. Install the air intake duct. < Ref. to INSTALLATION , Air Intake Duct. >
  41. From the oil charge pipe, add ATF until the fluid level is between the upper and lower level on the "COLD" side of the level gauge. < Ref. to AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID . >
  42. Lower the vehicle from the lift.
  43. Check the differential gear oil level. < Ref. to DIFFERENTIAL GEAR OIL . >
  44. Check the select lever operation. < Ref. to INSPECTION , Inhibitor Switch. >
  45. Bleed the air of control valve. < Ref. to AIR BLEEDING OF CONTROL VALVE . >
  46. Check the ATF level. < Ref. to AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID . >
  47. Execute the learning control promotion. < Ref. to FACILITATION OF LEARNING CONTROL , OPERATION, Subaru Select Monitor. >
  48. Perform the road test. < Ref. to ROAD TEST . >
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When to See a Mechanic

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

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

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