Clicking/Cracking-Type Sound on Slow Turns Front Drive Axle Shaft – Design Change – 2020-2023 Subaru Outback & 2019-2023 Forester

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Bulletin Number: 03-91-23; Date: 01/08/24 Page 1 of 5
SERVICE BULLETIN
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Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.
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NUMBER: 03-91-23
DATE: 01/08/24
APPLICABILITY: 2020-23MY Outback
2019-23MY Forester
SUBJECT: Clicking/Cracking-Type Sound on Slow Turns
Front Drive Axle Shaft – Design Change
INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin announces the design change made to the front drive axle shaft assemblies to address
cases of a clicking/cracking-type sound heard when driving with the steering wheel in the fully
locked (left or right) position. Size of the joint has been increased to provide added durability. If a
clicking/cracking-type sound is duplicated while driving the vehicle with the steering wheel in the
fully locked position, replaced the affected side with the newly designed drive axle shaft assembly.
The assemblies are not required to be replaced in pairs.
PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:
The new drive shaft assemblies have been incorporated into vehicle production as per the table below.
Model Starting VIN
OUTBACK TBD
FORESTER PH455319
ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER q
PARTS MANAGER q
CLAIMS PERSONNEL q
SERVICE MANAGER q
IMPORTANT – All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.
©2023 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.
Bulletin Number: 03-91-23; Date: 01/08/24 Page 2 of 5
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DESCRIPTION OF DESIGN CHANGE:
Bulletin Number: 03-91-23; Date: 01/08/24 Page 3 of 5
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PART INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Always order the most up-to-date replacement parts based on the specific VIN being
repaired.
Model Part Description Part Number
OUTBACK DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY-FRONT 28321AN030
FORESTER DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY-FRONT 28321SJ010
OUTBACK & FORESTER NUT (One Time Use) 902170049
HOW TO DISTINGWITH OLD AND NEW PARTS:
Bulletin Number: 03-91-23; Date: 01/08/24 Page 4 of 5
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SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.
The service procedures for the front drive shaft assembly replacement remain unchanged. Always
refer to the applicable Service Manual and review the full requirements of the repair being performed.
The Service Manual procedures contain information critical to performing an effective repair the
first time, every time. This includes but is not limited to important SAFETY precautions, proper
inspection criteria, necessary special tools, required processes and related one-time-use parts needed
for a complete and lasting repair.
Refer to STIS: DrivelineAxle > PROPELLER SHAFT / DRIVE SHAFT / AXLE > Front Drive Shaft
WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period or covered by an active Subaru Added
Security Classic or Gold plan, this repair may be submitted using the following claim information:
Labor Description Labor Operation # Labor Time Fail Code
ONE FRONT AXLE SHAFT ASSEMBLY R&R B621-301 0.5
NCK-25 (RIGHT)
NCL-25 (LEFT)
BOTH FRONT AXLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES R&R B621-304 0.9 NAN-25
Bulletin Number: 03-91-23; Date: 01/08/24 Page 5 of 5
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
• SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as previously
released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.
• Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.
• Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.

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