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.
2018 Subaru WRX BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Front Strut: Installation
CAUTION:
For parts which are not reusable, always use new parts.
- Install the strut mount - front at the upper side of the strut to the vehicle body.
Tightening Torque:
20 N.m (2 kgf-m, 14.8 ft-lb)
- Align alignment marks on the camber adjusting bolt and the strut, and install the strut to the housing assembly - front axle.NOTE: While holding the bolt head of adjusting bolt, tighten the nut.
Tightening Torque:
155 N.m (15.8 kgf-m, 114.3 ft-lb)
- Secure the ABS wheel speed sensor harness bracket to the strut.CAUTION: During the installation, make sure that the marking of ABS wheel speed sensor harness does not twist.
- Install the brake hose bracket.
Tightening Torque:
33 N.m (3.4 kgf-m, 24.3 ft-lb)
- Install the front wheels.
Tightening Torque:
120 N.m (12.2 kgf-m, 88.5 ft-lb)
- Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust if necessary.
- Inspection: Ref. to FRONT SUSPENSION>Wheel Alignment>INSPECTION .
- Adjustment: Ref. to FRONT SUSPENSION>Wheel Alignment>ADJUSTMENT .
CAUTION: When the wheel alignment has been adjusted, perform the following adjustment.- Lane keep assist learning value clear (model with Eye-Sight): Ref. to EyeSight (DIAGNOSTICS)>Clear Active Lane Keep System Learning Value>OPERATION .
- VDC sensor midpoint setting mode: Ref. to VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL (VDC)>VDC Control Module and Hydraulic Control Unit (VDC CONTROL MODULE & H/U)>ADJUSTMENT>VDC SENSOR MIDPOINT SETTING MODE .
- Perform reinitialization of the auto headlight beam leveler system. (Model with auto headlight beam leveler) Ref. to LIGHTING SYSTEM>Auto Headlight Beam Leveler System>PROCEDURE .
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.