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Front Differential Assembly: Adjustment

  1. Using the ST, screw-in the retainer until resistance is felt.
    NOTE: Screw-in the retainer RH side slightly deeper than the retainer LH.

    ST 18658AA020 WRENCH COMPL RETAINER

  2. Remove the oil pump cover.
  3. Remove the liquid gasket from the mating surface completely.
  4. Install the oil pump cover to converter case, and secure them with tightening four bolts evenly.
    NOTE: Use an old gasket or aluminum washer to prevent damaging the mating surface of the housing.

    Tightening torque: 

    41 N.m (4.2 kgf-m, 30.2 ft-lb) 

  5. Rotate the drive pinion ten times or more using ST1 and ST2.

    ST1 18667AA010 HOLDER

    ST2 499787700 WRENCH

    Fig 1: Rotating Drive Pinion Using Holder And Wrench
    G05022361Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  6. Tighten the LH retainer by rotating the shaft until resistance is felt. Then loosen the retainer RH. Keep tightening the retainer LH, and loosening the retainer RH until the pinion shaft no longer be turned. This is the "zero" state.
    Fig 2: Identifying Retainer
    G07914911Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  7. After the "zero" state is established, loosen the retainer LH by 3 notches and secure it with the lock plate. Then loosen the retainer RH and retighten until it stops. Rotate the drive pinion 2 or 3 times. Tighten the retainer RH further 1-3/4 notches. This sets the preload. Finally, secure the retainer with its lock plate.
    Fig 3: Identifying Lock Plate
    G07914912Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    NOTE: Turning the retainer by one tooth changes the backlash approx. 0.05 mm (0.0020 in).
    Fig 4: Identifying Retainer Backlash Dimensions
    G07914913Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  8. Install the SUBARU genuine axle shaft to the left and right sides of the front differential.
  9. Turn the drive pinion a few times with ST1 and check to see if the backlash is within the specified value, using ST2, ST3, ST4 and ST5.
    NOTE: Secure the ST1 and stator shaft with the tie-wrap.

    Backlash: 

    0.13 - 0.18 mm (0.0051 - 0.0071 in) 

    ST1 499787700 WRENCH

    ST2 498247001 MAGNET BASE

    ST3 498247100 DIAL GAUGE

    ST4 499787500 ADAPTER

    ST5 498255400 PLATE

    Fig 5: Checking Drive Pinion Backlash Using Special Tool
    G06652145Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  10. Adjust the teeth contact of the front differential and drive shaft. Refer to , ADJUSTMENT , Drive Pinion Shaft Assembly.
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