ATTENTION:

CLAIMS PERSONNEL q

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

SERVICE MANAGER

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GENERAL MANAGER q
PARTS MANAGER

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SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:
SUBJECT:

NUMBER: 04-25-19R

2018-19MY STI
Torque Steer Diagnostics and Repair Procedure

DATE: 04/25/19
REVISED: 08/28/19

INTRODUCTION:
The primary focus of this bulletin is to provide a procedure to follow when diagnosing a customer
concern of Torque Steer, defined as a pulling condition to either the left or right when under full
acceleration which requires a somewhat greater than standard correction of steering wheel input
from the driver to counteract. As part of this diagnosis, it will be necessary to first eliminate two
other conditions a customer may misinterpret as torque steer. These are: Steering Pull and Steering
Off-Center. This will prevent incorrect or over-repair, both of which can negatively impact customer
satisfaction. This bulletin applies only in cases where the original factory equipment wheels, tires,
and all suspension components are currently installed and, the outlined condition is confirmed to be
present.
SERVICE PROCEDURE / DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION:
Definition of Terms:
•

Torque Steer: A pull to either the left or right during full acceleration (high engine torque)
which requires a somewhat greater than standard steering wheel input from the driver to
counteract and keep the vehicle moving straight ahead.

•

Steering “Pull”: A tendency for the vehicle to pull or “drift” to the left or right while at
speed (not under acceleration) and holding the steering wheel straight ahead.

Steering wheel position is neutral (straight ahead)
but vehicle pulls or drifts to the right (or left).

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: 04-25-19R; Revised: 08/28/19

Page 1 of 8

•

Steering Off-Center: The steering wheel must be held at slight angle to keep the vehicle
going straight.
Steering wheel
position is Off-Center
but vehicle goes
straight.

Steering wheel
must be held to stay
in neutral position.

Some examples of factors which can contribute to any of these conditions (not a complete list):
•

Crowned road (slight slope) toward shoulder

•

Remaining cornering force of tire (tire conicity or ply steer)

•

Mismatched or unevenly worn tires

•

Alignment out of proper adjustment

•

Worn / damaged suspension component(s)

•

Collision / suspension damage repairs not performed properly or to OEM specification.

DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR TORQUE-STEER CONCERNS:
Step 1- Confirm the tire pressures are set to specifications; 33 PSI front and 32 PSI rear and verify
all tires have no uneven / irregular treadwear or damage which could contribute to a pull or drift
condition.
Step 2- Road test the vehicle following a normal driving pattern and confirm if the condition is a
result of steering wheel off-center or steering pull as outlined in the Service Procedure section above.
•

If steering pull or steering wheel off-center condition is found, address through standard
adjustments as found in the applicable Service Manual. The balance of this bulletin does not
apply. Additional information on these conditions can be found in TSB 14-19-17.

•

If Torque Steer is confirmed, proceed to Step 3 using a roadway as outlined in the NOTE
below.

NOTE: Before proceeding, identify a SAFE location to perform this testing. The road surface
should be flat and smooth as possible with a minimal (if any) “crown” which could contribute to a
steering / vehicle drift toward the shoulder. The roadway will also need to be lined as shown in the
illustration below. Alternatively, an empty parking lot free of obstacles and lined for parking may
also be suitable as the test acceleration distance is relatively short. The less amount traffic in the
selected test area the better. The lines will be used for measurement reference when necessary. When
using a public or private roadway, at no point should the center line ever be crossed. Always remain
in the lane of travel. Vehicle control must always be maintained. Identify markers (e.g. posts, trees
or even use traffic cones) to signify a “test zone” 100 meters (330 feet in length). Keep in mind, there
needs to be enough room prior to entering the zone for the vehicle to accelerate up to 40 MPH in
fourth gear and after the zone to safely stop. SAFETY IS KEY!

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 04-25-19R; Revised: 08/28/19

Page 2 of 8

Represents a distance
equal to 2 tire widths.

2 tire widths

2 tire widths =
approximately
20 inches.

Lane
Lines

Shoulder
Line

DIRECTION
OF TRAVEL

Torque Steer to the RIGHT

Torque Steer to the LEFT

Step 3- Print out and review a copy of Appendix A found on page 7 of this bulletin.
NOTE: This worksheet is to be use for Torque Steer concerns ONLY.
Step 4- Using properly calibrated 4-wheel alignment -capable equipment, perform a complete
4-wheel alignment using the following specifications:
○○ Camber: Identical (no difference between) left and right camber angles
○○ Front Toe: 0.13 degrees on each side
○○ Rear Toe: 0 degrees on each side.
IMPORTANT: These specifications are different than those supplied in the 2018 and 2019MY STI
Service Manual. Always save a copy of the Before and After alignment print outs as part of the claim
documentation. Examples are provided below.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 04-25-19R; Revised: 08/28/19

Page 3 of 8

BEFORE Measurements

AFTER Measurements
35psi

35psi

32psi

32psi

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 04-25-19R; Revised: 08/28/19

Page 4 of 8

When complete, road test the vehicle to confirm the repair.
•

Has performing a 4-wheel alignment corrected the condition and does the vehicle now
operate within the specifications outlined in Step 2?

YES- Repair procedure is complete. Proceed to the Warranty / Claim Information section for claim
submission information. Save a copy of the Before and After alignment print outs as part of the claim
documentation.
NO- Follow the Step 5 procedures below.
Step 5- Complete the Appendix A Torque Steer Evaluation worksheet.
REMINDER: A copy of the completed worksheet, Before and After 4-wheel alignment print outs
and a copy of the Repair Order are required to be retained for claim documentation.
•

If after performing the alignment 4-wheel using the specifications listed above, the Torque
Steer condition remains and exceeds the specifications listed, tires may be ordered through
the Subaru Tire Center to correct this condition.

•

After completing the worksheet, use the Subaru Tire Center found on Subarunet to order a
set of four (4) tires, part number 435WR9ADSV2. Use the Subaru Tire Center Part Number
order field as shown below when making this order.

IMPORTANT: Only tires ordered through the Subaru Tire Center may be claimed for repair
outlined in this bulletin.

•

Once the 4 new tires are received and installed, road test the vehicle again using the
evaluation process outlined in Step 2.

•

If the vehicle is now within the Torque Steer specification, the repair is completed. Proceed
to the Warranty / Claim Information section for claim submission information.

•

If the Torque Steer condition remains even after tire replacement and confirmation of
alignment using que Steer the specifications listed in this bulletin, contact your FSE for
further assistance.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 04-25-19R; Revised: 08/28/19

Page 5 of 8

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period, refer to the Subaru Labor Time
Guide for claim coding information.
Labor Description

Labor
Operation #

STI TORQUE STEER INSPECTION- NORMAL CONDITION

A613-610

STI TORQUE STEER INSPECTION- PERFORM 4-WHEEL ALIGNMENT
CUSTOMER CONCERN REPAIRED

A613-618

STI TORQUE STEER INSPECTION- PERFORM 4-WHEEL ALIGNMENT
CUSTOMER CONCERN NOT REPAIRED, REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES

A613-614

Fail
Code

Labor
Time
0.5

NCR-88

1.8
3.0

IMPORTANT NOTES:
•

The actual cost amount for the replacement tires must be entered in Sublet.

•

No part number entry for tire replacement is required.

•

It is STRONGLY recommended to retain a copy of the Subaru Tire Center invoice in the
vehicle file for future reference.

•

For repairs performed in accordance with this Service Bulletin ONLY, the requirement for
DPSM Authorization is waived.

HANDLING OF REPLACED TIRES CLAIMED TO SOA:
NOTE: The procedures listed here are specific to this Service Bulletin and not applicable to any
other claimed repairs.
All tires replaced and claimed to SOA must have a hole drilled through both sidewalls near the
D.O.T. number. Retailers may at their option, either hold these tires for normal scrapping or if space
is constrained, perform the following procedure:
•

Clearly mark each tire near the D.O.T. number with a tire crayon indicating the position it
was on the car (LF, LR, RF, and RR).

•

Drill at least a ¼ inch hole in both sidewalls of each tire with one of the holes located next to
the D.O.T. number and crayon position location lettering.

•

Take a photo of each tire showing the D.O.T. number and the drilled hole, and a close-up of
the Repair Order showing the RO Number and VIN.

•

Print and Save these photos along with the Repair Order hard copy as part of the repair
documentation as copies may be requested by the Claims Team.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 04-25-19R; Revised: 08/28/19

Page 6 of 8

Appendix A- Torque Steer Evaluation Worksheet
REMINDER: This form must be COMPLETED (including ALL before and after measurements).
Copies of the Before AND After printouts are required as part of claim documentation for any tire
replacement claimed to SOA.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 04-25-19R; Revised: 08/28/19

Page 7 of 8

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.

Bulletin Number: 04-25-19R; Revised: 08/28/19

Page 8 of 8