Impreza 2.5 RS Sedan AWD F4-2.5L SOHC (2002)
Wheel Bearing: Technical Service Bulletins
Drivetrain - Revised Rear Wheel Bearing Installation
NUMBER: 03-50-02
DATE: 12/23/02
APPLICABILITY:
1998 - 2003 Forester
1993 - 2003 Impreza (excluding WRX)
1990 - 1999 Legacy
SUBJECT:
New Procedure for Replacing Rear Wheel Bearings
INFORMATION
Ongoing studies of vehicle repairs and service procedures have helped us identify a new rear wheel bearing replacement procedure for the vehicles
described above. Additionally, several design changes have been made to increase the durability of the original equipment caged ball bearings in all
types of operating conditions.
The installation of secondary dust shields to the axle (August 2000 vehicle production), and changes to the wheel bearing itself represent some of the
results of continued study. The most recent production changes were:
1.
Material change of the grease.
2.
Treatment changes to the rear ball bearing & inner race.
3.
Initial preload applied in production changed.
These changes took place effective August 21, 2001, starting with these VIN's.
To reduce the possibility of repeat premature failures, Subaru is introducing a new procedure to service the rear wheel bearings of the models listed
above that entails replacing the rear wheel bearing on the vehicle.
This new procedure will eliminate the heavy forces needed to service the rear wheel bearings that occur in using a hydraulic press. This smooth, low
force installation eliminates the chances of deforming the wheel bearing housing and increases the efficiency of repair.
Effective January 2, 2003, this new approved procedure must be used when replacing rear wheel bearings for any repair submitted to Subaru of America,
Inc. for reimbursement.
In addition, this repair procedure is required on retail repairs to be eligible for any Subaru Replacement Parts Warranty.
A new special tool kit has been developed (supplied by Kent Moore, J-45697) to perform this procedure on the vehicle. The new tools are designed to
work only with tapered roller bearings. The repair procedure is not listed in this bulletin but can be found in Subaru Service Publication Booklet Number
MSA5TT0201. This supercedes the old booklet of MSA5TT0001.
Subaru is also authorizing the installation of a taper roller type bearing, part number 28016AA030, as the replacement part on the applicable Impreza &
Forester models. This taper bearing is the same bearing that is applicable to 99 model year & prior Legacy models.
If you have diagnosed a failed rear wheel bearing, repair it with the new procedure and check the condition of the remaining side. Replace only if
needed.
The new genuine Subaru rear wheel bearings are not to be packed with grease of any kind. The bearing is ready to install out of the box.
The labor operation numbers for the replacement of the rear wheel bearing and its effective parts will not be changed, however, the new time for one side
replacement will be .8 hour and 1.5 for both sides.
