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SERVICE MANAGER

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SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

2015-2017MY Legacy and Outback
2015-2017MY WRX

NUMBER: 04-17-17R

SUBJECT:

Rattling Sound from EPS Gear Box

REVISED: 05/02/19

DATE: 09/13/17

INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin provides a service procedure to address isolated customer concerns of a rattling sound
identified as coming from the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) gear box (steering rack) assembly.
The repair (when applicable) involves installation of a new tension spring for the worm gear to reduce
/ eliminate the condition. It should be noted the condition is NOT detrimental to the operation of the
EPS system.
PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:
The new EPS rack springs were incorporated into production starting with the following VINs:
Vehicle / Model

Starting VIN

Legacy

H*069171

Outback

H*429659

WRX

J*801300

Description

Part Number

SPRING KIT NBL

34130AL010

PART INFORMATION:

SPECIAL TOOL INFORMATION:
A special tool bit is required to remove the cover screw for
access to the tension spring. An inch-pound torque wrench
will also be necessary. ONE tool will be provided to each
Retailer AT NO CHARGE to coincide with this bulletin’s
release. Additional bits can be sourced (at user expense) from
either Bosch or Matco. Both tool suppliers will utilize the same
BTP40P part number.
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.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 04-17-17R; Revised: 05/02/19

Page 1 of 7

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
Use the following flow chart when diagnosing a steering rattle sound concern on the applicable
vehicles specified above:
Confirm the rattling sound is coming from the EPS gear box

Adjust the gear box backlash following
procedures supplied in Appendix A
starting on pg. 6.

Is the EPS gear box
Lot Number equal to or
higher than 7421?

NO

Is rattle sound
gone?

YES

** NOTE: The original EPS gear box Lot Number must be recorded whenever the assembly
is replaced and is required to be entered in the Miscellaneous Detail field as part of the claim
submission.
Lot Number Identification:
Using a flashlight and by looking in from the driver’s side, the EPS gear box Lot Number can be
verified without removing the EPS cover plate.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 04-17-17R; Revised: 05/02/19

Page 2 of 7

EPS Cover Plate

(EPS Cover is removed here for reference only.)

VERY IMPORTANT: These 4 digits determine the EPS gear box Lot Number (date code).
•
•
•
•

The first number (a 6 in the picture) is the year (2016).
The second (also a 6 in the picture) indicates the 6th month (June).
The third and fourth (03 in the picture) is the 3rd day (June 3, 2016)
The second set of 4 numbers (1049) is the production number or serial
number for that specific date.

If the Lot Number is equal to or after 7421 (April 21, 2017), the EPS gear box is
post-countermeasure and the condition will not be repaired by replacing the tension spring.

TENSION SPRING REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE:
IMPORTANT NOTES:
•

This repair does NOT require the EPS gear box to be removed. (Photos below for reference
only.)

•

Post-repair wheel alignment is NOT required or necessary.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 04-17-17R; Revised: 05/02/19

Page 3 of 7

Step 1- Raise the vehicle and remove the undercover following the procedure in the applicable
Service Manual.
Step 2- Using the special tool bit, remove the tension spring cover screw.

Step 3- Remove the tension spring and replace with the new part. Make sure the new spring is fully
seated in the hole.

Step 4- Make sure the cover screw hole is clean with no contamination before reinstallation.
Lubricate the o-ring with some ATF on your fingers then install the new tension spring cover screw /
o-ring and torque to 40 inch-pounds.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 04-17-17R; Revised: 05/02/19

Page 4 of 7

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:
Use ONE of the following 4 scenarios listed below when coding the applicable EPS Rack repair.
All times include road testing.
Labor Description

Labor Time
Labor
Operation # Leg / Obk WRX

TEST DRIVE, EPS RACK BACKLASH ADJ. -REPAIRED

A659-008

0.7

2.0

TEST DRIVE, EPS RACK BACKLASH ADJ. -NOT REPAIRED, LOT NUMBER
IS HIGHER, REPL. EPS RACK ASSEMBLY -REPAIRED

A659-002

3.4

3.4

TEST DRIVE, EPS RACK BACKLASH ADJ, NOT REPAIRED, LOT NUMBER IS
LOWER, REPL. TENSION SPRING -REPAIRED

A659-006

1.3

2.4

TEST DRIVE, EPS RACK BACKLASH ADJ, -NOT REPAIRED, LOT NUMBER
LOWER, REPL. TENSION SPRING, -NOT REPAIRED, REPL. REPL EPS
RACK, -REPAIRED

A659-016

4.0

3.8

Fail
Code

RDQ-20

REMEMBER: The original EPS gear box Lot Number must be recorded whenever the assembly is
replaced and is required to be entered in the Miscellaneous Detail field as part of the claim
submission.

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.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 04-17-17R; Revised: 05/02/19

Page 5 of 7

Appendix A
EPS GEARBOX BACKLASH ADJUSTING PROCEDURE:
1) For Legacy and Outback: Gain access to the lock nut and
adjusting screw by following the applicable Service Manual
procedures for removing the following components:
•

Front under-cover

•

Front Stabilizer bar

•

Front exhaust pipe assembly

•

5 bolts securing the TPS rack guard as shown.

For WRX: Remove the EPS gear box assembly following the procedure in the applicable
Service Manual. The remaining steps are the same as Legacy / Outback.
2) Use the special tools to loosen / remove the lock and adjusting nut (c), spring (b) and pressure
pad (a).

•

ST1- 34199AJ030

•

ST2- 34199AJ040

Splined hole

3) Apply grease (p.n. SOA868V9700 / Autolex “A”) to the face and back side (red arrows) of the
pad (a) and re-insert it into the housing.
4) Fill the inside of the adjusting nut (c) “cup” (red arrow) with the same
grease (p.n. SOA868V9700 / Autolex “A”) and insert the spring into it.
5) Apply liquid gasket (red arrow): ThreeBond 1215 / SOA868V9700 to 1/3
or more of entire perimeter of adjusting screw thread (c).
6) Reinstall the adjusting screw and tighten to 20 N·m (14.8 ft-lbs.) and
loosen it.
7) Tighten again to 20 Nm (14.8 ft-lbs) and loosen it.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 04-17-17R; Revised: 05/02/19

Page 6 of 7

8) Tighten a third time to 20 Nm (14.8 ft-lbs), then loosen it by 30 degrees, and reinstall the lock
nut while holding the screw in position using the special tools.
9) While holding the adjusting screw, torque the lock nut to 45Nm (33.2 ft. lbs.).
10) On WRX, use the splined hole in the special tool (ST1 shown above) on the pinion splines
to turn the EPS gear box and confirm smooth operation before re-installation. On Legacy /
Outback, with the front wheels raised, turn the steering wheel to right and left, and perform
the adjustment procedure again if the steering does not feel smooth. If necessary, repeat the
adjustment procedure by GRADUALLY loosening the adjusting nut as needed for smooth
steering feel BUT, never exceed more than 40 degrees TOTAL.
11) If this backlash adjustment procedure is unsuccessful, the complete EPS gear box assembly will
need to be replaced.
12) When EPS repair is complete, reassemble removed components in reverse order following the
applicable Service Manual procedures INCLUDING replacement of any one-time use parts.

Bulletin Number: 04-17-17R; Revised: 05/02/19

Page 7 of 7