2022 Subaru Outback BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Front Strut: Assembly

CAUTION:
  • When installing the coil spring compressor to the coil spring, follow the operation manual accompanied with the coil spring compressor during operation. 
  • Do not use an impact wrench to compress the coil spring. 
  • For parts which are not reusable, always use new parts. 
  1. Before assembly, check each part. Ref. to FRONT SUSPENSION>FRONT STRUT>INSPECTION .
  2. Using a coil spring compressor, compress the coil spring.
    NOTE:

    Make sure that the vertical install direction of the coil spring is as shown in the figure. 

    G13949594Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  3. Install the rubber seat LWR to the strut COMPL front.
    NOTE:

    Make sure the coil seating section of the rubber seat is free from foreign matters such as pebbles. Remove the foreign matters such as pebbles if any. 

  4. Set the coil spring correctly so that the spring end face (a) fits within the area (c) of the cutout portion (b) of rubber seat LWR as shown in the figure.
    G13949595Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  5. Install the helper front to the piston rod.
  6. Pull the piston rod fully upward, and install the dust cover front.
  7. Install the mount strut front.
    NOTE:

    Make sure that the mount bearing front turns smoothly after tightening. 

    1. Temporarily assemble the mount strut front and the mount bearing front, and install it to the piston rod.
    2. Temporarily tighten the mount strut front with a new self-locking nut.
    3. Using a hexagon wrench, prevent the piston rod of strut COMPL front from turning.
    4. Using the ST, tighten the self-locking nut to the specified torque.

      Preparation tool: 

      ST: STRUT MOUNT SOCKET (20399AG000)

      Tightening torque: 

      55 N.m (5.6 kgf-m, 40.6 ft-lb)

      G13949596Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  8. Loosen the coil spring compressor carefully.
  9. Install the dust seal.
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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.