Front Axle: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Align the alignment mark on the camber adjusting bolt head, and tighten the housing and strut using a new self-locking nut.
Tightening torque:

155 N.m (15.8 kgf-m, 114.3 ft-lb)
Install the front drive shaft. Refer to INSTALLATION , Front Drive Shaft .
Install the front arm ball joint to the housing.
Tightening torque:

50 N.m (5.1 kgf-m, 36.9 ft-lb)
Install the ABS sensor harness to the strut.
Install the ABS wheel speed sensor on the housing.
Tightening torque:

7.5 N.m (0.76 kgf-m, 5.5 ft-lb)
Install the disc rotor to hub.
Install the disc brake caliper on the housing.
Tightening torque:

80 N.m (8.2 kgf-m, 59 ft-lb)
Install the stabilizer link.
Connect the tie-rod end ball joint to the knuckle arm with a castle nut.
Tightening torque:

27.0 N.m (2.75 kgf-m, 19.9 ft-lb)

CAUTION: When connecting the tie-rod, do not hit the cap at bottom of tie-rod end with a hammer.
Tighten the castle nut to specified torque and tighten further within 60° until the pin hole is aligned with the slot in the nut. Bend the cotter pin to lock.

Fig 1: Identifying Cotter Pin, Castle Nut And Tie-Rod
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
While depressing the brake pedal, tighten a new axle nut to the specified torque and lock it securely.
Tightening torque:

220 N.m (22.4 kgf-m, 162 ft-lb)
CAUTION:
- Do not install wheel and let it touch the ground before tightening the axle nut. Failure to follow this rule may damage the axle bearing.
- Do not overtighten the nuts as this may damage the axle bearing.
After tightening the axle nut, lock it securely.

Fig 2: Locking Axle Nut
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Install the front vehicle height sensor, (models with auto headlight beam leveler, left side only)
Tightening torque:

7.5 N.m (0.76 kgf-m, 5.5 ft-lb)
Attach the front vehicle height sensor connector. (models with auto headlight beam leveler, left side only)
Install the wheel.
Tightening torque:

100 N.m (10.2 kgf-m, 73.8 ft-lb)
Connect the ground cable to the battery.
Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust if necessary.
Perform reinitialization of the auto headlight beam leveler system, (models with auto headlight beam levelers) Refer to PROCEDURE , Auto Headlight Beam Leveler System .