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
- 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
- 【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.
- 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
- ✅【Effortless Differential Removal】The driveshaft separation tool is expertly designed to quickly and efficiently remove c-clips from spline driveshaft, making differential removal a breeze when used in conjunction with tools DT-51329 and the J-02619 inertia hammer.
- ✅【Maintain Shaft Integrity】This innovative tool is specifically engineered to secure the drive shaft while allowing the sliding hammer to detach the components without causing any damage, ensuring the longevity and reliability of your vehicle's driveshaft system.
- ✅【Premium Durability】Crafted from high-quality metal materials, the driveshaft Separation Tool boasts exceptional strength and durability. With a polished chrome finish, it effectively resists corrosion and rust, providing a reliable solution for your repair needs.
- ✅【Versatile Installation Applications】Designed to fit seamlessly with grooves provided by Equalnox and lerraln, this tool is compatible with XT5, Acadia, and Envision driveshaft. Use it alongside the Essential J-02619-A sliding hammer to easily loosen and remove c-clips for a hassle-free installation process.
- ✅【Exceptional Customer Support】We stand behind the quality of our driveshaft separation tool with comprehensive after-sales support. Should you have any inquiries or concerns, our customer service team is readily available to assist you in achieving optimal results during your differential removal projects.
- PRACTICAL FUNCTION: Our pry bar wrench adapter head can be combined with 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch ratchet wrenches, breaker bars, wheel wrenches, etc., so that the wrench has the function of leverage prying, and can be used to detach half-shaft driveshaft
- ADJUSTABLE DESIGN: Our car pry tool has an adjustable design that can be adjusted to multiple angles for use, allowing the user to use it at a more comfortable angle for tight spaces. This makes the our pry bar wrench adapter easier to use
- SAVE FORCE DESIGN: The interface of our small pry tools are square, which is more concentrated than the usual plum-shaped interface force points, not easy to separate, and more energy-saving. It is also thickened, not easy to be damaged
- DURABLE MATERIAL: Our cv joint removal tool head is made of steel, which has the features of high strength, high hardness, not easy to break and durable. It will not be suddenly damaged during use, resulting in maintenance interruption or accidents
- PACKING LIST: Our package includes 2 pry bar wrench adapter heads, the interface size are 1/2 inch and 3/8 inch, please check your wrench tool driver size before buying, if it doesn't fit with our products, please be careful to buy
Last update on 2026-07-01 / 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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