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NHTSA ID Number: 10249602
Manufacturer Communication Number: 03-91-23
Summary
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.
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 |
DESCRIPTION OF DESIGN CHANGE:
Refer to the Information In PDF below…
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:
Refer to the Information In PDF below…
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
9 Affected Products
Vehicles
| MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
| SUBARU | FORESTER | 2019-2023 |
| SUBARU | OUTBACK | 2020-2023 |
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
NUMBER: 03-91-23
DATE: 01/08/24
https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10249602
MC-10249602-0001.pdf 434.631KB
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- Easy to disassemble: Skip the complicated slide hammer puller sets and pry bar tools that can cause damage to your axle, use this CV shaft tool to easily disassemble the CV shaft, saving your time and energy !
- Material: CV Axle Removal Tool Set made of high-strength hardened steel, which has high hardness, high strength, with stable performance and reliable use and longer service life
- Benefits: Better and Safer than Using a Hammer and Bar because the wedge-shaped fork end of the axle Popper applies uniform pressure to both sides of the shaft To ensure safe release (Two piece CV axle popper tool kit ensures fitment for most FWD vehicles)
- Easy installation: Insert the wedge wheel bearing tool between the transaxle case and the axle joint, and the fork head surrounds the axle end, tap the end of the front fork to release the axle shaft. these axle puller tools are simple, yet powerful, Is your essential tool !
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- APPLICATION： The Ball Joint Press Set Ball Joint Tool / Bushing Removal Tool with 4WD Adapter can effortlessly remove press fit parts including ball joints, U-joints, brake anchor pins, and more on most 2-wheel drive (2WD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles without removing the control arm from the vehicle
- MATERIAL： Heavy-duty forged steel with black-oxide finish on adapters for maximum strength and longevity that resists rust and corrosion.
- COMPATIBLITY： The Ball Joint tool compatible with most American domestic and imported 2-wheel drive (2WD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD) cars and light pickup trucks that have press-fit type ball joints
- PACKAGE LIST： It includes: 1x C-frame ball joints press and 1x forcing screw, 2x removal/installation adapter, 2x installing/receiving cup, 1x install cup adapter, 3x receiving tubes.
- PORTABILITY： come with a durable storage case, convenient to collect the tools
- Use the CV joint puller, you can easily pull the old stubborn CV axle and install the new axle without damaging the expensive aluminum transmission cases and other parts. Work more efficiently.
- The slide hammer weighs 7 pounds for extra strength to give you a straight and even pull for damage-free removal of the axle assembly; its threading also lets you use it with other 5/8"-18 adapters to deal with other makes and models or to handle other work around your engine.
- The sliding hammer is ergonomically designed, with large surface area and more comfortable use. Made of heavy-duty steel, the surface has undergone a special anti-rust treatment. It can withstand huge pressure without deformation, is not easy to break, and is more sturdy.
- This CV joint removal tool set includes opening 63mm and 48mm CV joint fork disassembly adapter, heat treated and abrasive blasting plated, each part offers superior durability and corrosion resistance for long use. 63mm and 48mm fit most vehicle models and have wide use.
- The CV Joint Fork is be threaded internally, and the slide hammer stick is threaded externally. The joint fork could fit on the slide hammer stick. Hammer weight back and forth to create torque and pull out the axle (can use lubricating fluid for added comfort). This tool set includes slide hammer x 1, 48mm CV joint fork x 1, 63mm CV joint fork x 1, matching nut x 1, gloves x 1.
- PULL CV JOINTS & AXLES: This CV joint puller tool set by Orion Motor Tech is compatible with Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable models from 1986 to present, loosening and removing their front wheel drive axles and hidden retaining rings in minutes
- MULTIPURPOSE SLIDE HAMMER: Our slide hammer weighs 7 pounds for extra strength to give you a straight and even pull for damage-free removal of the axle assembly; its threading also lets you use it with other 5/8"-18 adapters to deal with other makes and models or to handle other work around your engine
- DURABLE PULLER ADAPTER: The U-shaped CV joint fork has a 2-inch opening and 2.4-inch depth to firmly lock onto your Sable or Taurus axle assembly, making removal of stuck CV joints a cinch
- QUICK & EASY OPERATION: These automotive tools work together to provide straight and even force so your constant velocity axle pops out smoothly, leaving the roller bearing inside the joint and the rest of your vehicle untouched
- BUILT TO LAST: Made of premium AISI 1045 medium carbon steel, our CV joint removal set provides strong and dependable service for the long haul; heat treated and blackened or chrome plated, each part offers superior durability and corrosion resistance for long use
- Quickly removes the CV joint from the drive shaft without damaging the joint, and keeps hands free for releasing retaining circlip.
- keeps hands free for releasing retaining circlip.
- Saves on labour time and suitable for most vehicles
- Maximum CVJ Diameter: 95mm. Length: 230mm.
- Package includes: 1pcs CV joint puller tool
- Great Compatibility — Provides ultimate brute strength for disassembling even the most seized u-joints in minutes on virtually all class 1-3 cars, light-duty trucks and farm machinery. (Compatible with Ford F-150/350, Chevrolet 1500/3500, Ram 1500/3500, etc.)
- Upgrade Design — The greatest and original U-Joint Puller. Provides the most effective mechanical advantage for easy disassembly. Eliminates dangerous vice and socket, or hammering methods. Removes sealed u-joint cups in minutes.
- Special Features — Used with up to a 1/2 inch impact wrench and work with U-Joint bearing cups from 1” to 1.25” O.D. Reduces risk of damage to the driveshaft, yokes, joints or bearing caps.
- Superior Quality — Premium grade heavy duty carbon steel with black anodized finish, superior durability, anti-impact, anti-deformation, anti-corrosion and anti-rust. High precision and toughness to provide a much longer service life.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee — If you're not 100% satisfied with our pullers, simply return it for a full refund in 30 days. Support 12 months’ Warranty. Professional & Sincere Service allows you to take no risks to purchase in E-cowlboy!
- PRODUCT SIZE: This U-shaped CV axle removal tool has the opening size of 48 mm(2-inch) and 2.5-inch depth which can pry joints out with hidden retaining rings from vehicles, satisfy your needs.
- EASY TO USE: Attach the CV joint fork removing adapter to your slide hammers with 5/8-inch x 18 threads(not included in the package), then position the adapter around the shaft behind the inner boot. Use the slide hammer to create torque to pull out the axle. Easy, yet powerful.
- Benefits: Unlike pry bars, this CV joint axle removing tool is designed more easier and simpler to remove axle without damaging the roller bearing inside the joint. Compatible with Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable models from 1986 to present.
- PREMIUM MATERIAL: This CV joint fork removing adapter is made of high hardness AISI 1045 medium carbon steel, heat-treated, sturdy and steady, phosphating and black coloring, corrosion resistant, wear resistant, with reliable use and long service life.
- KIT INCLUDES: This inner CV axle tool includes axle pulley attachment x 1, matching nut x 1, gloves x 1, 3pcs in box.
- 【FUNCTION】This inner CV axle removal tool set helps you to remove stuck cv axles in minuts.
- 【PERFECT FIT】The fork-shaped and shim parts of the cv axle removal tool both have inner dimension of 2 inches, outer dimension of 3 inches, and whole length of about 14 inches. Heavy duty cv jionts removal tool.
- 【FEATURE】Help to remove FWD axles, including driver side CV axle and passenger side CV axle on most FWD vehicles. Much better than a screw driver or pry bar. Your must-have axle joint shaft tool.
- 【REPLACE NUMBER】The CV removal tools' replace number-12020.
- 【YOU WILL GET】1*wedged CV axle fork tool and 1*shim spacer axle tool.
- Easy To Remove CV Axle: Use this CV joint puller, You will pull the old stubborn CV axle and get the new axle installed, not need spend a lot of effort, without causing damage to expensive aluminum transmission cases or other components
- Heavy Duty: Our slide hammers are heavier and larger than normal ones, easier to use and work more better, hammer weight is 10.5 lb, is twice the average slide hammer, so the generated pulling force is also twice of a normal slide hammer, length is 19.5 inches, have sufficient length slide to generate more force, slide hammer and the VC join fork is made of heavy duty steel, durable and not easy to break
- Effient Slide Hammer: Our slide and the slide hammer follow ergonomic design, the handle is curved and have a large surface, which use more comfortable. use our CV joint slide hammer, work more efficiently
- Wih 63mm 48mm Joint Fork: Our kit include opening 63mm and 48mm cv joint fork removing adapter, the CV Joint Fork is be threaded internally, and the Slide Hammer stick is threaded externally. the joint fork could fit on the slide hammer stick, 63mm and 48mm fit most vehicle models, have wide use
- Combinnation Kit: This kit include: 1 heavy duty slide hammer; 1 opening 63mm cv joint fork; 1 opening 48mm cv joint fork; 1 manual puller; 2pc 16mm nut. this kit have everthing you need to remove CV axle or half shaft, all the tools put in a plastic case, easy to carry, and we offer 12 months warranty, we will refund or replace, if the tool have any quality problem
- APPLICATION: The drive shaft bearing retainer wrench tool compatible with Mercruiser Alpha One Gen 1 Gen 2 MR Mercury 2.0L 2.4L 2.5L without preloaded pin All Mercury 3.0L.
- FUNCTION: Remove and install the threaded bearing retainer on Alpha sterndrives and outboards, for use with Mercruiser Sterndrives and Mercury outboard gearcases.
- REPLACE FOR: Replace for 90240, 9-79807, 91-43506T, 91-43506, 18-9842.
- MATERIAL: The driveshaft bearing retainer removal and installer wrench tool is made of nickel-plated steel that provides corrosion and wear resistance, sturdy and durable.
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Last update on 2024-06-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
SEOCONTENT-START
Bulletin Number: 03-91-23; Date: 01/08/24 Page 1 of 5
SERVICE BULLETIN
Continued…
CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.
Subaru Service Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians ONLY. They
are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur in some vehicles,
or to provide information that could assist in the proper servicing of the vehicle. Properly
trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to
do the job correctly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that this
Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.
Subaru of America, Inc. is
ISO 14001 Compliant
ISO 14001 is the international standard for
excellence in Environmental Management
Systems. Please recycle or dispose of
automotive products in a manner that is friendly
to our environment and in accordance with all
local, state and federal laws and regulations.
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
Continued…
DESCRIPTION OF DESIGN CHANGE:
Bulletin Number: 03-91-23; Date: 01/08/24 Page 3 of 5
Continued…
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
Continued…
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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SEOCONTENT-END
