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
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
NUMBER: 03-91-23
DATE: 01/08/24
MC-10249602-0001.pdf 434.631KB
- 【Easy disassembly of CV axle joint】Using the Axle Popper Forks Ball Joint Press Kit, you can quickly and easily loosen the half-axle wheeled vehicle from the front drive axle without damaging the axle's complex sliding hammer puller kit and pry bar.
- 【Suitable for your needs】The fork-shaped end allows you to apply uniform pressure on both sides of the half shaft to ensure a safe release different from the pry bar and the sliding hammer; the two-piece CV shaft ejection tool kit ensures that it is suitable for most FWD vehicles . The solid steel front fork is designed with an open space that can be installed around your CV axle; the Popper wedges start at a depth of 1/4 inch to fit the tight space at work.
- 【Easy to use】Insert the wedge-shaped wheel bearing tool between the transaxle housing and the shaft joint, with the fork-shaped end surrounding the shaft; tap the end of the front fork to loosen the half shaft; use shim popper to fill the larger gap on some vehicles.
- 【Package Include】The package includes a wedge-shaped CV axle fork and a dummy gasket front fork; these CV joint puller ball joint tools are made of forged steel with a metal finish to provide maximum strength and durability.
- 【Service Provision】We offer extended quality assurance services to ensure that each product meets consumer expectations and needs. If you encounter any quality problems during the purchase process, we will provide you with after-sales service in time to solve problems for you and protect your rights and interests.
- Part Number: DT-51329-A
- Production Advantage: Safely remove the retention clip that locks onto the PTU or RDM splined shaft. Meanwhile, without damaging the Chevrolet driveshaft
- Compatible: The DT-51329-A(alt st-317) fits the groove provided on Equinox, Terrain, XT5, Acadia, and Envision prop shafts. It is used with the previously Essential J-02619-A Slide Hammer to unseat the snap ring
- Instructions: The DT-51329 attaches around the prop shaft, and its two halves are tightened to seat dt-51329-a driveshaft remover adapter tool alt st-317 into the groove. The slide hammer is then attached and used to remove the prop shaft. The removal force is 2000–6000 N at 50 mm/min. Unapproved methods will damage the prop shaft
- Service: Please get in touch with us if you have any problems with the drive removal adapter at any time. You can buy with confidence; even if the order is more than 30 days old, we still have you covered
- Application: Compatible with BMW M2 M3 M4 M5 E70 E90 E91 E92 X3 X5 X6 RWD 4WD 7 Series
- Function: Use to install and remove the screw nut between the rear drive shaft and the differential, it can also be used to replace the differential shaft seal
- OEM Equivalent Part Number: 335040; 335050; 335060; 335080; 230020
- Durable: Made of high quality heavy duty steel, high hardness and very strong, not easy to break and deform, The exterior is coated with antioxidant layer to prevent rust, extended service life
- Package Include: 1 x Output Flange Support Wrench, 1 x Drive Shaft Inner Nut Wrench, 1 x Differential Flange Nut Wrench, 1 x 27mm Final Drive Input Shaft Seal Sleeve, 1 x 34mm Final Drive Input Shaft Seal Sleeve, 1 x 37mm Final Drive Input Shaft Seal Sleeve, 1 x Drive Shaft Seal Sleeve, 2 x Screw Shread, 1 x Carrying Case
- 【Function】Designed to securely fasten the propeller shaft and assist in its removal using a sliding hammer while protecting the driveshaft from damage
- 【Application】Compatible with Chevrolet Equinox, Traverse, XT5 ,Acadia, Buick Envision
- 【OEM Equivalent】 Direct replacement for part number DT-51329-A
- 【Durability】 Crafted from premium-grade metal with exceptional strength, built to withstand heavy-duty use without deformation or breakage. Features a polished and chrome-plated finish for enhanced corrosion resistance and rust prevention.
- 【Expert-Backed Support】Our driveshaft tool comes with robust post-purchase assistance. Contact our team for prompt technical guidance during differential repairs, ensuring success with professional expertise.
- Application: Compatible with BMW E70 E90 E91 E92 X3 X5 X6 RWD 4WD
- OEM Equivalent Part Number: 335040; 335050; 335060; 335080; 230020
- Function: Use to install and remove the screw nut between the rear drive shaft and the differential, it can also be used to replace the differential shaft seal
- Quality Guarantee: Made of high quality heavy duty steel, high hardness and very strong, not easy to break and deform, The exterior is coated with antioxidant layer to prevent rust, extended service life
- 12 Months Warranty: We offer 12 months warranty, we will refund or replace, if the timing tool have any quality problem
Last update on 2026-05-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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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