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
- Efficient Disassembly: This driveshaft removal adapter tool is used to secure the drive shaft, when used in conjunction with the J-02619-A slip hammer, efficiently removes retaining clip from splined shaft without damaging the driveshaft.
- Broad Compatibility: Drive shaft separation tool is widely compatible with Chevrolet Equinox Traverse, Buick Envision, Cadillac XT5 XT6, Acadia, Terrain four-wheel-drive. Replace OEM number: DT-51329-A (Equivalent to ST-317).
- Sturdy Construction: The drive shaft remover wrench is made of high-hardness materials, making it resistant to deformation & breakage. Its surface has been treated to prevent rust & corrosion, ensuring a long service life.
- Operational Procedures: 1. Spray rust remover into the drive shaft grooves to clean them. 2. Secure the DT-51329-A tool in the groove on the drive shaft, ensuring it does not wobble or slip. 3. Install the slip hammer and remove the driveshaft.
- Important Notes: 1. The DT51329A tool must be fully seated in the drive shaft groove; if it is only caught on the dust cover or the smooth shaft, it will slip and damage the drive shaft. 2. Do not apply force to the slide hammer at an angle. 3. The removal force is 2000–6000 N at 50 mm/min.
- 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
- Pry Bar Wrench Adaptor Head, Half Shaft Removal Tool Openend Wrench, Half Shaft Removal Car Repairing Tools 1/2" Drive Upgrade Half Shaft Removal Car Repairing Tools Drive Crowbar Adapter Head Tools
- 【Pry Bar Wrench Adapter Head】That this could hold tighter to the 1/2" drive head on your breaker bar，It disconnects easily with even a slight lateral pressure， that means it never gets stuck on the drive head，pry bar wrench adaptor head，The light weight and small size， along with the ability to use extenders，helps this fit into tight，tricky spaces.
- 【Pry Bar Wrench Adaptor Head 1/2】This pry bar socket is super easy to use，pry bar wrench adapter，It can be used with any ratchet or breaker bar to convert it into an adjustable pry bar，Solid construction，pry bar wrench adapter head， Easily fits onto my 1/2" drive extensions，Clean, crisp edges，Makes removing CV axles a breeze,
- 【Pry Bar Wrench Adaptor】I like the adjustability of this which will work in a variety situations，can be used with a 1/2 socket as well，but I thing the breaker bar would be better use of this pry bar head，prybar wrench adapter，This tool is great for getting into tight machines that need a little extra leverage.
- 【Crowbar Adapter Head Tools】Used this device to remove a stuburn CV shaft from the transmission on one of your cars, crowbar adapter head，Pry Bar Wrench Adapter Head，Using this device keeps you from damaging the inner CV joint rather then just pulling on the CV shaft to get it out.allows for it to be used used in a wider variety of positions than a traditional fixed head pry bar and ideal for use in hard to access areas.
- Function: Used to fix the propeller shaft and assist the sliding hammer to remove the propeller shaft without damaging the driveshaft
- Application: Compatible with Chevrolet Equinox
- OEM Equivalent Part Number: DT-51329-A
- Durable: Made of high-quality metal material, it is extremely strong and durable, not easy to be damaged, and the surface is polished and chrome-plated, which can effectively prevent corrosion and rust
- Installation Usage: DT-51329-A fits the groove provided on Equlnox, lerraln. XT5, Acadia, and Envision prop shafts, and is used with previously EssentialJ-02619-A slide hammer to unseat the snap ring. DT-51329-A attaches around the propshaft, and its two halves are tightened together to seat DT-51329-A into the groove. The slide hammer is then attached, and used to remove the propshaft. The removal force is 2000-6000N@50mm/min
- 【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.
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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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