LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Subaru >> 2011 >> Forester X, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Drivelines & Axles >> Wheel Hubs >> Drivetrain System >> Front Axle >> Installation
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Front Axle: Installation

  1. 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 (15.81 kgf-m, 114.3 ft-lb) 

  2. Install the front drive shaft. < Ref. to INSTALLATION , Front Drive Shaft. >
  3. Install the front arm ball joint to the housing.

    Tightening torque: 

    50 N.m (5.10 kgf-m, 36.9 ft-lb) 

  4. Install the front ABS wheel speed sensor harness to the strut.
  5. Install the front ABS wheel speed sensor on the housing.

    Tightening torque: 

    7.5 N.m (0.76 kgf-m, 5.5 ft-lb) 

  6. Install the disc rotor to hub.
  7. Install the disc brake caliper on the housing.

    Tightening torque: 

    80 N.m (8.16 kgf-m, 59 ft-lb) 

  8. Install the stabilizer link.
  9. Connect the tie-rod end ball joint to the knuckle arm with a castle nut.
    CAUTION: When connecting the tie-rod, do not hit the cap at bottom of tie-rod end with a hammer.

    Tightening torque: 

    27 N.m (2.75 kgf-m, 19.9 ft-lb) 

  10. 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: Tie-Rod, Castle Nut And Cotter Pin
    G07680201Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  11. While depressing the brake pedal, tighten a new axle nut to the specified torque and lock it securely.
    CAUTION:
    • Do not apply weight to the front axle before tightening the axle nut. Doing so may damage the hub bearing.
    • Do not overtighten the nuts as this may damage the hub bearing.

    Tightening torque: 

    220 N.m (22.43 kgf-m, 162.3 ft-lb) 

  12. After tightening the axle nut, lock it securely.
    Fig 2: Locking Axle Nut
    G05032598Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  13. Install the wheel.

    Tightening torque: 

    100 N.m (10.20 kgf-m, 73.8 ft-lb) 

  14. Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust if necessary. < Ref. to INSPECTION , Wheel Alignment. >
  15. Perform reinitialization of the auto headlight beam leveler system, (model with auto headlight beam leveler) < Ref. to PROCEDURE , Auto Headlight Beam Leveler System. >