Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2012 Subaru Outback RFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Service Data
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Subaru Tribeca. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
SERVICE DATA REFERENCE
| Drive pinion bearing preload | Measure with spring scale. (Measured at the companion flange bolt hole) | N (kgf, lb) | 12.7 - 32.2 (1.3 - 3.3, 2.9 - 7.2) |
| Measure with torque wrench | N.m (kgf-m, ft-lb) | 0.48 - 1.22 (0.05 - 0.12, 0.35 - 0.90) | |
| Side gear backlash | mm (in) | 0.13 - 0.18 (0.005 - 0.007) | |
| Hypoid driven gear to drive pinion backlash | mm (in) | 0.10 - 0.15 (0.004 - 0.006) | |
Factory Service Tools
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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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