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.
2021 Subaru Ascent BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Drive Pinion: Disassembly
- Remove the drive pinion.
- Flatten the tab of the lock nut.
- Using ST1 and ST2, fix at the spline portion of drive pinion to remove the lock nut.
Preparation tool:
ST1: ADAPTER WRENCH (18621AA000)
ST2: HOLDER (18667AA010)
- Remove the drive pinion collar and O-ring from the drive pinion.
- Using a press, remove the taper roller bearing inner race (rear side) and taper roller bearing outer race from the drive pinion.
- Using the ST and a press, remove the taper roller bearing inner race (front side) from the drive pinion.
Preparation tool:
ST: REMOVER (498077000)
- Remove two oil seals using a flat tip screwdriver wrapped with cloth, etc.CAUTION: Do not damage the fitting surface of taper roller bearing.
- Remove the plug from drive pinion retainer.
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.