2020 Subaru Outback BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Front Arm: Installation

CAUTION: For parts which are not reusable, always use new parts.
  1. Before installation, inspect the following items and replace any faulty part with a new one.
    • Check the arm COMPL front for damage or cracks, and replace if defective.
    • Visually check the bushing for abnormal cracks, fatigue or damage.
    • Visually check the boot on the ball joint for damage.
  2. Using new self-locking nuts and flange bolts, temporarily tighten the arm COMPL front to the crossmember COMPL front.
  3. Install the ball stud to the front axle housing.
    CAUTION:
    • Do not apply grease to the tapered portion of ball stud.
    • Be careful not to damage the boot of the joint.
    • Before tightening, make sure the bottom surface of front axle housing and stepped section of ball joint COMPL are in contact.

    Tightening torque: 

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

    G13620830Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  4. Install the crossmember support rear.

    Tightening torque: 

    70 N.m (7.1 kgf-m, 51.6 ft-lb)

  5. Disconnect the strut assembly and the front axle housing.
    1. Place an alignment mark (a) on the adjusting bolt and the strut assembly.
    2. Remove the adjusting bolts and flange bolts for the strut assembly.
    CAUTION: Turn and remove the nut while holding the bolt side.
    G13620831Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  6. Install the arm COMPL front.
    1. Apply a load to the arm COMPL front using a jack.
      G13620832Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    2. Adjust the clearance between the upper surface of crossmember support rear and the lower surface of ball joint connection of the arm COMPL front.
      G13620833Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
        Sedan model OUTBACK model
      Standard (a) 10 mm (0.39 in) 45 mm (1.77 in)
    3. Tighten the bolts and nuts which secure the arm COMPL front to the crossmember COMPL front.

    Tightening torque: 

    Refer to FRONT SUSPENSION>General Description>COMPONENT>FRONT SUSPENSION .

  7. Align alignment marks on the adjusting bolt and the strut assembly, and install the strut assembly to the front axle housing.
    NOTE:
    • First, tighten the adjusting bolt (upper side) to the specified torque.
    • While holding the bolt side, tighten the nut to the specified torque.

    Tightening torque: 

    155 N.m (15.8 kgf-m, 114.3 ft-lb)

  8. Install the front wheels.

    Tightening torque: 

    120 N.m (12.2 kgf-m, 88.5 ft-lb)

  9. Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust if necessary.
  10. Perform the following adjustments using Subaru Select Monitor.
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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.