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HOMESERVICE MANUALSSUBARU2010OUTBACK R PREMIUMREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 86 (CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION)FRONT DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLYADJUSTMENT
2010 Subaru Outback R Premium

Front Differential Assembly: Adjustment

2010 Subaru Outback R PremiumSECTION Adjustment
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Subaru Outback and 2012 Subaru Legacy. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Using the ST, screw-in the retainer until resistance is felt.
    NOTE: RH side should be screwed-in more than LH side.

    ST 18658AA020 WRENCH COMPL RETAINER

    Fig 1: Identifying Side Retainer With Wrench COMPL Retainer
    G06654708Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  2. Remove the remaining liquid gasket from the mating surface completely.
  3. Using the ST, install the drive pinion assembly to converter case.

    ST1 18270KA020 SOCKET (E20)

    NOTE: Do not confuse the three different-length bolts when installing.

    Tightening torque: 

    43 N.m (4.4 kgf-m, 31.7 ft-lb) 

    Fig 2: Identifying Drive Pinion Assembly With Different-Length Bolts
    G06654679Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  4. Rotate the drive pinion shaft more than ten times using ST1 and ST2.

    ST1 18667AA010 HOLDER

    ST2 499787700 WRENCH

    Fig 3: Rotating Drive Pinion Shaft Using Holder And Wrench
    G06654696Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  5. While rotating the pinion shaft, keep tightening the retainer LH, and loosening the retainer RH until the pinion shaft no longer be turned. When pinion shaft no longer turns, backlash is "zero".
  6. After the "zero" state is established, loosen the retainer LH by 3 notches and secure it with the lock plate. Loosen the retainer RH and retighten until it stops. Rotate the drive pinion 2 or 3 times. Tighten the retainer RH further 1-3/4 notches. This sets the preload. Finally, secure the retainer with its lock plate.
    Fig 4: Identifying Lock Plate On Retainer
    G07913682Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
RENDER: 1.0x

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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.