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Drive Pinion Shaft Assembly: Adjustment

  1. Remove the liquid gasket from the mating surface completely.
  2. Using the ST, install the drive pinion retainer to converter case.

    ST 18270KA020 SOCKET (E20)

    NOTE: Do not confuse the three different-length bolts when installing.

    Tightening torque: 

    43 N.m (4.4 kgf-m, 31.7 ft-lb) 

    Fig 1: Identifying Drive Pinion Retainer Mounting Bolts
    G08318086Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  3. Rotate the drive pinion several times using ST1 and ST2.

    ST1 498937110 HOLDER

    ST2 499787700 WRENCH

    Fig 2: Rotating Drive Pinion Using Special Tools
    G08318121Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  4. Adjust the drive pinion and hypoid driven gear backlash. Refer to ADJUSTMENT .
  5. Using the ST, remove the drive pinion retainer from converter case.

    ST 18270KA020 SOCKET (E20)

  6. Apply lead-free red dye evenly on the both sides of three to four teeth of the hypoid driven gear. Then install the drive pinion retainer and rotate the drive pinion in both directions several times. Remove the drive pinion retainer and check the tooth contact pattern.

    If the teeth contact is inappropriate, adjust the backlash or thickness of the shim. Refer to ADJUSTMENT .

    NOTE: After correction, wipe off the lead-free red dye.
    • Correct tooth contact

    Check item: Tooth contact surface is slightly shifted toward the toe side under a no-load condition. (When driving, it moves towards the heel side.) 

    Fig 3: Identifying Correct Tooth Contact Pattern (Toe And Heel Side)
    G08579014Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    • Face contact

    Check item: Backlash is too large. 

    Contact pattern

    Fig 4: Identifying Tooth Face Contact Pattern (Backlash Is Too Large)
    G06654698Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

    Corrective action: Increase thickness of drive pinion shim according to the procedures for moving the drive pinion close to hypoid driven gear.

    Fig 5: Identifying Corrective Action For Moving Drive Pinion Close To Hypoid Driven Gear
    G06654699Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    • Flank contact

    Check item: Backlash is too small. 

    Contact pattern

    Fig 6: Identifying Tooth Flank Contact Pattern (Backlash Is Too Small)
    G06654700Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

    Corrective action: Reduce the thickness of the drive pinion shim according to the procedures for moving the drive pinion away from the hypoid driven gear.

    Fig 7: Identifying Corrective Action For Moving Drive Pinion Away From Hypoid Driven Gear
    G06654701Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    • Toe contact (inside contact)

    Check item: Teeth contact area is too small. 

    Contact pattern

    Fig 8: Identifying Tooth Toe Contact Pattern (Teeth Contact Area Is Too Small)
    G06654702Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

    Corrective action: Reduce the thickness of the drive pinion shim according to the procedures for moving the drive pinion away from the hypoid driven gear side.

    Fig 9: Identifying Corrective Action For Moving Drive Pinion Away From Hypoid Driven Gear
    G06654701Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    • Heel contact (outside end contact)

    Check item: Teeth contact area is too small. 

    Contact pattern

    Fig 10: Identifying Tooth Heel Contact Pattern (Teeth Contact Area Is Too Small)
    G06654704Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

    Corrective action: Increase the thickness of the drive pinion shim according to the procedures for moving the drive pinion closer to the hypoid driven gear.

    Fig 11: Identifying Corrective Action For Moving Drive Pinion Close To Hypoid Driven Gear
    G06654699Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  7. Using the ST, loosen the differential side retainer until the mounting groove of the O-ring appears, and then install the O-ring.
    NOTE:
    • When loosening the differential side retainer, record the number of the turns made.
    • Perform this for both left and right differential side retainers.
    • Use new O-rings.
    • Apply the differential gear oil to O-ring.

    ST 18658AA020 WRENCH COMPL RETAINER

  8. Using the ST, tighten the retainer to the position before it is loosened.

    ST 18658AA020 WRENCH COMPL RETAINER

  9. Replace the differential side retainer oil seal with a new part. Refer to DIFFERENTIAL SIDE RETAINER OIL SEAL .
  10. Install the lock plate.

    Tightening torque: 

    25 N.m (2.5 kgf-m, 18.4 ft-lb) 

    Fig 12: Identifying Lock Plate
    G08579023Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.