TSBs

Stopping Subaru Idle Noise

March 13, 2023

This bulletin applies to 2011 Subaru Forester models equipped with a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine.

When diagnosing a 2011 Subaru Forester equipped with a 2.5L (non turbo) engine for an unusual sound, and the noise is determined to be coming from the left side cylinder head area, the head, intake camshaft, intake valves and all rocker arm pivots may need to be replaced.

This bulletin applies to 2011 Subaru Forester models equipped with a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine. When diagnosing a 2011 Subaru Forester equipped with a 2.5L (non turbo) engine for an unusual sound, and the noise is determined to be coming from the left side cylinder head area, the head, intake camshaft, intake valves and all rocker arm pivots may need to be replaced. The sound can be heard at idle and increases with RPM, similar to the sound of a sewing machine.

This sound is created by the contact of the pivot and rocker arm when the intake valve is approaching its seat. As a countermeasure, a modified cylinder head, intake camshaft, intake valves and rocker arm pivots were incorporated into production Jan. 21, 2011 starting with engine number 0055031. All of the intake and exhaust rocker arm pivots on the left side must be replaced with the new rocker arm pivot part number. Failure to replace both intake and exhaust pivots with the new part number will result in camshaft bind and/or insufficient valve clearance.

PART QTY NEW P/N OLD P/N

Head assembly, LH…….1…………..11063AB652…………11063AB650

Camshaft, INT, LH…….1…………..13037AA802…………13037AA801

Valve, INT…………….4…………...13201AA620…………13201AA570

Pivot, rocker arm……...8……………13296AA051…………13296AA040

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