Front Differential Assembly: Adjustment

Using the ST, screw-in the retainer until resistance is felt.
NOTE: RH side should be screwed-in more than LH side.

Preparation tool:

ST: WRENCH COMPL RETAINER (18658AA020)

Fig 1: Installing Differential Side Retainers Using ST
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the remaining liquid gasket from the mating surface completely.
Using the ST, install the drive pinion assembly to converter case.
Preparation tool:

ST: SOCKET (E20) (18270KA020)

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 2: Identifying Three Different Length Bolts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Rotate the drive pinion shaft ten times or more using ST1 and ST2.
Preparation tool:

ST1: HOLDER (18667AA010)

ST2: WRENCH (499787700)

Fig 3: Rotating Drive Pinion Shaft Using ST1 And ST2
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
While rotating the pinion shaft, tighten the retainer LH and loosen the retainer RH until the shaft can't be turned anymore. The backlash is "zero" when the pinion shaft comes to the point where it doesn't rotate.
After the "zero" state is established, loosen the retainer LH by 3 notches and secure it with the lock plate. Retighten the retainer RH 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 4: Identifying Lock Plate
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Turning the retainer by every one tooth changes the backlash approx. 0.05 mm (0.0020 in).

Fig 5: Turning Retainer
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Insert the two SUBARU genuine axle shafts into differential case.
Part No. 38415AA070 Axle shaft
Install the ST to the drive pinion retainer, and wrap the drive pinion shaft with cloth and pinch with vise pliers. Using a tie-wrap or a wire, fix the vise pliers to the ST.
Make sure the drive pinion shaft does not move.

Preparation tool:

ST: COMPRESSOR SHAFT (18763AA000)

Fig 6: Fixing Vise Pliers To ST
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Check the backlash is within specification using ST1, ST2 and ST3.
Preparation tool:

ST1: PLATE (498255400)

ST2: DIAL GAUGE (498247100)

ST3: MAGNET BASE (498247001)

Backlash:

0.13 - 0.18 mm (0.005 - 0.007 in)

Fig 7: Checking Front Differential Assembly Backlash
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Adjust the teeth contact of the front differential and drive shaft. Ref. to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION(TR580)>Drive Pinion Shaft Assembly>ADJUSTMENT .