ATTENTION:

CLAIMS PERSONNEL q

IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.

SERVICE MANAGER

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SERVICE INFORMATION
APPLICABILITY: 2006-2009MY Legacy Spec B and
3.0R Limited Models with Bilstein® Front Struts
SUBJECT:

NUMBER: 05-60-15
DATE: 07/27/15

attling Sound from Front Suspension While Driving
R
Inspection Method for Loose Strut Retaining Nut

INTRODUCTION
This bulletin provides an inspection method for the threaded portion of the front strut piston rod.
If you receive a customer concern of a rattling sound in the front of the vehicle while driving and
inspection results of the related suspension components are inconclusive, the strut retaining top nut
torque should be checked using the following procedure.
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION
Use the special tool as shown to remove
and tighten the locking nut; a 17mm Strut
Lock Nut Wrench, p.n. 20099PA000
(SOA Essential Tool).

IMPORTANT NOTE: When using an extension which increases the overall “length” of the torque
wrench, the torque values applied will change. Refer to the illustration and calculation formula
provided on the last page of this bulletin for determining the revised torque specification when using
an extension like a Crow’s Foot wrench shown in the example photo above.
1. Check the torque of the top retaining nut.
• If the nut torque exceeds 25Nm (18.4 ft. lbs.), torque the nut to 70 Nm (51.6 ft/lbs.) and
proceed to Step #2.
• Using the special tool shown above, if the nut torque is less than 25Nm (18.4 ft. lbs.),
either the strut piston dust sleeve is out of position and being pinched or, there may be a
crack in the threaded portion at the top of the strut piston. Proceed to Step #3.
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.

Bulletin Number: 05-60-15; Date: 07/27/15

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.

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2. Remove the front wheel assembly then try to rotate the dust sleeve around the strut piston.
• If the dust sleeve does not turn easily, the strut assembly will need to be disassembled for
closer inspection.
• If you are able to turn it easily, the procedure is complete. Further inspection to
determine the source of the sound is necessary.

Photo shows
an example of
pinched dust
sleeve.

Shows dust sleeve out of
position and being pinched.

Area to inspect
Normal position of dust sleeve

3. Once the strut has been disassembled, the area indicated in the photo above will need to be
inspected closely for cracking.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 05-60-15; Date: 07/27/15

Page 2

The photo below shows a Magnaflux Spotcheck® SK-416 Penetrant Inspection Kit, which can be
purchased from industrial equipment suppliers such as MX Industrial, (215) 322-8909 for $99.00
(plus shipping), or online at: www.mxindustrial.com.

Magnaflux Spotcheck® SK-416 Penetrant Inspection Kit
PENETRANT CHECKING PROCEDURE:
(3-1)

Clean the area to be inspected thoroughly of any dirt or grease with the cleaner.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 05-60-15; Date: 07/27/15

Page 3

(3-2) Apply penetrant evenly to the inspection area then allow to dwell (penetrate) for about 10
minutes.

(3-3) Remove any excess penetrant with a clean
shop cloth sprayed with cleaner. DO NOT
spray cleaner directly on the part. Otherwise,
any defect the process is trying to show may
be rinsed clean. (NOTE: some penetrant will
remain in the threads.)

(3-4) Apply the developer evenly to the threaded area and allow it to dry. The bolt will appear like
it is coated with white powder as shown in the photo on the right.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 05-60-15; Date: 07/27/15

Page 4

(3-5) Check the developer for penetrant seepage. The strut in the photo below requires
replacement.

The base of the threads as shown below is the focal point of
the penetrant inspection. After applying the developer, watch
carefully for a red line to appear indicating the presence of a
crack. If a crack is present, the penetrant indication will
eventually widen and blur as it appears in the photo.
(3-6)

If the penetrant inspection reveals no cracking, wash away any remaining penetrant materials
thoroughly with the cleaner and wipe dry with a clean shop cloth. If a crack is found, replace
the strut.

4. R
eassemble the strut assembly following the procedure in the applicable Service
Manual. NOTE: be sure to use a NEW self-locking top nut, part number 902350027 and
torque it to 70 Nm (51.6 ft. lbs.).
IMPORTANT: To insure proper tightening torque of the nut and tension on top portion of the strut
assembly are achieved, the special strut mount socket tool, part number 20099PA000 and a 6mm hex
key wrench to hold the strut piston firmly must be used as shown on pg. 1.
5. R
oad test the vehicle to verify any change to (or elimination of) the original condition. If the
sound is gone, the repair is complete. If the sound persists, further inspection to determine
the source will be necessary.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 05-60-15; Date: 07/27/15

Page 5

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period or with an active Added Security
Classic or Gold Service Agreement, this repair may be claimed using the following information:
LABOR DESCRIPTION

LABOR
OPERATION #

FRONT STRUT OVERHAUL- ONE

B611-201

FRONT STRUT OVERHAUL- BOTH

B611-204

FAIL
CODE

NAD48

LABOR
TIME

2.0
2.4

NOTE: Labor times provided include penetrant inspection and 4-wheel alignment.
Revised Torque Specification Calculation Formula:

REMINDER: 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 refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.

Bulletin Number: 05-60-15; Date: 07/27/15

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