ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER
PARTS MANAGER
CLAIMS PERSONNEL
SERVICE MANAGER

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

SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY: 2010-2013MY Legacy and Outback
SUBJECT: Pop Sound from Right Rear Wheel Apron Area
INTRODUCTION

NUMBER: 12-147-13R
DATE: 03/08/13
REVISED: 07/08/14

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a repair procedure to address a customer concern of a “pop”
type sound coming from the right rear wheel apron area. The sound may occur over bumps when a
twisting motion is introduced into the vehicle chassis at low speeds. After verifying the customer’s
concern and performing the procedure, be sure to road test the car again to confirm the sound has
been eliminated.
COUNTERMEASURE IN PRODUCTION
A countermeasure was made in production to eliminate the sound starting with VINs:
Legacy D*038088, Outback D*292979.
TOOLS AND MATERIAL NEEDED
•

Right angle disc sander / angle die grinder

•

3M™ Roloc™ 2” surface grinding disc (grade A CRS)

•

Angled pick

•

Heat gun (optional)

•

Block of wood (2 x 4 x 12” long)

•

Punch Tester used to perform WVX-34

•

Snap-on Center Punch 3/16” point, 6” (stock # PPC4A) or equivalent

•

3M Ultrapro Automotive Body Sealer 08302 (available at most automotive jobbers)

•

Dupli-color Professional Undercoat (available at most automotive jobbers)

•

Etching Primer (available at most automotive jobbers)

•

Masking or painters tape and paper

PUNCH TESTER TOOL INFORMATION
The punch tester was provided to dealers located in salt-belt states to perform WVX-34. The
following information is for dealers in non-salt-belt states.
Currently, we have a very limited number of punch testers. A punch tester will be
supplied upon request strictly as a “loaner”. The loaner will only be provided to perform Service
Bulletin 12-147-13 “Pop Sound from Right Rear Wheel Apron Area”.
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: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. IS
“ISO 14001 COMPLIANT”
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.

Page 1

The Punch Tester Request Form must be filled out and faxed to the Parts Collection Center. Upon
receipt, the punch tester will be shipped via ground or second day air via UPS depending upon the
“Need By Date” requested. The tool will be shipped in a UPS Express “Large Box” measuring
18x13x3. A pre-printed UPS label will be provided for return shipping. Therefore, the same size
and style box needs to be used for return shipping. These boxes may be requested directly from
UPS if you do not have any supply of them. Using a box other than the size listed can create a delay
in return shipping, resulting in a debit. The punch tester must be returned immediately upon repair
completion. Failure to return the punch tester within two weeks of the request submission or return
of a damaged tool will result in a miscellaneous charge of $500.00 being added to the requesting
dealer’s monthly statement.
Note: Refer to the last page of this bulletin for the Punch Tester Request Form.
REPAIR PROCEDURE/INFORMATION
NOTE: Be sure to read through the entire procedure before proceeding.
1. Remove the right rear wheel assembly.
2. R
emove the right rear inner mud guard which is attached by 12 clips (10 small - 2 medium).
Note the orientation of the clips prior to removal.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

Page 2

The undercoating needs to be removed from the area outlined.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

Page 3

3. R
emove the undercoating using a right angle disc sander and surface grinding disc.
NOTE: Safety glasses and a respiratory mask should be worn when performing the procedures
listed in this Service Bulletin.

Be extremely careful not to
damage the brake line when
performing the procedures
listed in this Service Bulletin.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

Page 4

Photo of undercoating removed.

There are 3 layers of sheet metal which are secured together.
Outer - Wheel apron rear
Middle – Side sill inner rear
Inner – Frame side rear lower front
The outer wheel apron is secured by 2 welds to the middle side sill.
The middle side sill is secured by 6 welds to the inner frame.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

Page 5

4. R
emove the body sealer that seals the outer and middle sheet metal using an angled pick. A heat
gun may be used to soften the body sealer to aid with removal. Avoid applying any heat to the
brake line. Direct airflow from rear to front so excess heat is not directed at the brake line.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

Page 6

5. U
se a 2 x 4 and apply moderate force with a hammer to flatten the outer wheel apron to minimize
the clearance to the middle side sill.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

Page 7

NOTE: This photo is for illustration purposes, refer to page 20 of this bulletin to print the
actual template which will be used.
6. Cut out the template along the dotted lines. The ovals also need to be cut out.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

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7. Tape the template in place. Align the template ovals over the two outer wheel apron plug welds.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

Page 9

The punch tester will be used to make indentations at all of the 27 spots.
8. P
lace the tip of the punch tester on a marked spot, then raise the punch tester so it is perpendicular
to the spot, load the punch tester, then release. Repeat the procedure on the remaining spots.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

Page 10

9. Remove the template. The punch tester makes a 1.8mm indentation.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

Page 11

The indentations need to be increased to 3mm using a Snap-on Center Punch 3/16” point, 6”
(stock # PPC4A) or equivalent.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

Page 12

10. Using a 3/16 tapered punch and hammer, increase each indentation to 3mm.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

Page 13

Measure to insure that a 3mm indentation was made using the punch.
NOTE: This is a critical step; make sure each indentation measures 3mm.

Do not be concerned if the gap between the outer and middle sheet metal increased as a result of
punching. No attempt should be made to flatten this area. Leave it raised.
DO NOT REPEAT THE PROCEDURE USING THE 2 x 4 AND HAMMER.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

Page 14

11. T
ape off the area as illustrated. NOTE: Make sure the surface is free from sanding dust, dirt, oil and
grease. A rag and cleaning solvent may be used.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

Page 15

12. S
pray the area using etching primer (two coats are recommended). NOTE: Make sure to read
and follow the cautions and instructions on the can before using. Make sure etching primer is
dry before applying second coat and before proceeding to the next step.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

Page 16

13. A
pply body sealer to seal the outer and middle section. Also apply a thin layer over the
indentations. NOTE: Make sure to read and follow the cautions and instructions on the tube
before using. Make sure the body sealer is dry before proceeding to next step. NOTE: Do not
attempt to flatten the flange area, leave it raised. CAUTION: To avoid injury, do not use your
finger to smooth the sealer as the flange area may be sharp.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

Page 17

14. S
pray the area with undercoating (two coats are recommended). NOTE: Make sure to read and
follow the cautions and instructions on the can before using. Make sure the undercoat is dry
before applying second coat and before proceeding to the next step.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

Page 18

15. Remove tape and paper.

16. Install inner mud guard.
17. Install wheel assembly.
18. Road test vehicle to confirm sound can no longer be heard.
WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period, this repair may be claimed using the
following information:
LABOR DESCRIPTION

Right Rear Wheel Apron Repair

LABOR
OPERATION #

A900-591

FAIL
CODE

OBW-25

LABOR
TIME

1.0

Up to $15.00 may be charged out in sublet to cover the cost of materials.

Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

Page 19

NOTE: After printing make sure template is the
correct size according to the measurements listed.

17/8

53/8

57/8
UPR

31/4
Cut along the dotted lines
Cut along the dotted lines

Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

Page 20

Punch Tester Request Form
To: Subaru of America, Inc.
Parts Collection Center
3701 David Howarth Drive, Suite B
Lafayette, IN 47909

From:______________________________

Fax Number: (765) 637-4280

Date: ______________________________

Retailer Name:_______________________________________________________________
Retailer Shipping Address:_____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Retailer Contact:_____________________________________________________________
Retailer Contact Phone Number:________________________________________________
Date Needed By:_____________________________________________________________
VIN (last 8):__________________________________________________________________

By submitting this form, the above retailer agrees to the following usage terms:
•

Tool must be returned within two weeks of the date of request as noted on fax sheet when
received at Parts Collection Center.

•

Failure to return ship the tool within two weeks (date confirmed per UPS tracking of return
shipment) of request receipt date will result in a $500 charge to the retailer on the above listed
retailer’s monthly statement.

•

If tool is returned damaged a charge of $500 will be applied to the above listed retailer’s monthly
statement.

Bulletin Number: 12-147-13R; Date: 07/08/14

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