Engine - Fluttering Noise At 1200 RPM
NUMBER: 02-124-11DATE: 12/15/11
APPLICABILITY:
2011 MY and Early Production
2012 MY Legacy/Outback 2.5L N/A
SUBJECT:
Sound Heard at 1,200 RPM
INTRODUCTION
If you encounter a customer complaint that there is an unusual sound heard at 1,200 RPM, best described as a fluttering sound which can be duplicated in park or neutral and while moving at low speeds it may be caused by the timing belt. The sound is a resonance from the timing belt created during normal engine operation and transmitted from the engine to the body where it becomes audible in the passenger compartment. The condition is non-detrimental and will not impact vehicle use or long term durability. It may vary slightly in volume from vehicle to vehicle due to the stack up of small variations in manufacturing tolerances.
If you have a vehicle with an unusual, noticeable or distinctive sound of this type when compared to comparable vehicles, a countermeasure belt idler and timing belt tensioner bracket may be installed along with adjusting the front motor mount to reduce the presence and transmission of the sound.
COUNTERMEASURE IN PRODUCTION
Changes were made in production mid-December 2011 (VIN break will be added when available)
PART INFORMATION
REPAIR PROCEDURE
^ Replacement of the timing belt tensioner bracket (# 7) and idler (# 10)
^ Motor mount adjustment
Remove the timing belt tensioner bracket and idler (refer to the applicable service manual)
Timing Belt Tensioner Bracket
Note:
The diameter of the bolt holes in the bracket have been enlarged which permits a slight adjustment of the bracket. The purpose of this adjustment is to achieve additional extension of the automatic belt tension adjuster rod.
1) install the C/M timing belt tensioner bracket using the 3 bolts removed. Just snug the bolts which will allow slight movement of the bracket for positioning.
2) Lift up the bracket in the direction of the red arrow As a result the bracket will move in the direction of the blue arrow.
3) Rotate the bracket clockwise using point "A" as the center point. Torque bolts to proper specification 24.5 N-m in (2.5 kgf-m, 18.1 ft-lb)
Belt Idler No 2
Install the C/M belt idler and the remaining components in reverse order of removal (refer to the applicable service manual)
Motor Mount Adjustment
An engine hoist and chain will be needed to support the engine for motor mount adjustment.
1) Loosen the right rear and left rear motor mount nut (Do not remove either nut).
2) Loosen the front motor mount nut and bolt and remove the nut leaving the bolt in place.
3) Using the hoist, raise the engine slightly until the bolt can be moved in and out of the mount with no resistance. The bolt should have free movement.
4) Install front motor mount nut and torque~ 45 N-m (4.6 kgf-m 33.2 ft-lb).
5) Lower the engine.
6) Torque the right rear and left rear motor mount nuts, 45 Nm (4.6 kgf-m, 33.2 ft-lb).
7) Remove chain from engine.
WARRANTY/CLAIM INFORMATION
For vehicles within warranty the following may be used for claim submission