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 Outback BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Ball Joint: Installation
CAUTION:
For parts which are not reusable, always use new parts.
- Install the ball joint COMPL 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)
- Install the ball joint COMPL into the arm COMPL front.
- Connect the ball joint COMPL to the arm COMPL front.NOTE: If the ball stud hole and the cutout portion of the castle nut are not aligned after tightening, tighten the castle nut within the range of 60° to align with each other.
Tightening torque:
39 N.m (4.0 kgf-m, 28.8 ft-lb)
- Insert a new cotter pin, and bend it around the castle nut to form an anchor shape.
- Connect the ball joint COMPL to the arm COMPL front.
- Install the front wheels. Ref. to WHEEL AND TIRE SYSTEM>TIRE AND WHEEL>INSTALLATION .
- Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust if necessary.
- Inspection: Ref. to FRONT SUSPENSION>WHEEL ALIGNMENT>INSPECTION .
- Adjustment: Ref. to FRONT SUSPENSION>WHEEL ALIGNMENT>ADJUSTMENT .
- Perform the following adjustments using Subaru Select Monitor.
- Lane keep assist learning value clear: 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 (VDCCM & H/U)>ADJUSTMENT .
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.