tires SUBARU OUTBACK 2009 5.G Service Manual

11-40Maintenance and service
WARNING
. All four tires must be the same in
terms of manufacturer, brand
(tread pattern), construction, de-
gree of wear, speed symbol, load
index and size. Mixing tires of
different types, sizes or degrees
of wear can result in damage to
the vehicle ’s power train. Use of
different types or sizes of tires
can also dangerously reduce
controllability and braking per-
formance and can lead to anaccident.
. Use only radial tires. Do not use
radial tires together with belted
bias tires and/or bias-ply tires.
Doing so can dangerously re-
duce controllability, resulting in
an accident. &
Wheel replacement
When replacing wheels due, for example,
to damage, make sure the replacement
wheels match the specifications of the
wheels that are fitted as standard equip-
ment. Replacement wheels are available
from SUBARU dealers.
WARNING
Use only those wheels that are
specified for your vehicle. Wheels
not meeting specifications could
interfere with brake caliper opera-
tion and may cause the tires to rub
against the wheel well housing dur-
ing turns. The resulting loss of
vehicle control could lead to anaccident. Aluminum wheels
Aluminum wheels can be scratched and
damaged easily. Handle them carefully to
maintain their appearance, performance,
and safety. .
When any of the wheels is removed
and replaced for tire rotation or to change
a flat, always check the tightness of the
wheel nuts after driving approximately 600
miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose,
tighten it to the specified torque. . Never apply oil to the threaded parts,
wheel nuts, or tapered surface of the wheel. . Never let the wheel rub against sharp
protrusions or curbs.. Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly
and completely around the tire, otherwise
the chains may scratch the wheel. . When wheel nuts, balance weights, or
the center cap is replaced, be sure to
replace them with genuine SUBARU parts
designed for aluminum wheels.

Specifications..................................................... 12-2
Dimensions ........................................................ 12-2
Engine ............................................................... 12-3
Electrical system ................................................ 12-3
Capacities .......................................................... 12-4
Tires .................................................................. 12-5
Wheel alignment ................................................ 12-5 Fuses and circuits
............................................. 12-6
Fuse panel located in the passenger compartment ................................................... 12-6
Fuse panel located in the engine compartment ................................................... 12-8
Bulb chart ........................................................... 12-9
Vehicle identification ....................................... 12-11Specifications
12

&Tires
Tire size P205/55R16
89H P225/60R16
97H P205/50R17
88V 215/45R17
91W P225/55R17
95V 215/45R18
89Y P215/45R18
89W
Wheel size 16 66.5JJ 17 67JJ 18 67JJ
Pressure Front 32 psi
(220 kPa,
2.2 kgf/cm
2) 32 psi
(220 kPa,
2.2 kgf/cm2) 33 psi
(230 kPa,
2.3 kgf/cm2) 35 psi
(240 kPa,
2.4 kgf/cm2) 32 psi
(220 kPa,
2.2 kgf/cm2) 33 psi
(230 kPa,
2.3 kgf/cm2)
Rear 30 psi
(210 kPa,
2.1 kgf/cm
2) 30 psi
(210 kPa,
2.1 kgf/cm2) 32 psi
(220 kPa,
2.2 kgf/cm2) 33 psi
(230 kPa,
2.3 kgf/cm2) 30 psi
(210 kPa,
2.1 kgf/cm2) 32 psi
(220 kPa,
2.2 kgf/cm2)
Rear at
trailer tow- ing –32 psi
(220 kPa,
2.2 kgf/cm
2) – 32 psi
(220 kPa,
2.2 kgf/cm2) –
Temporary
spare tire Size T135/80R16 T155/70D17 T135/80R16 T135/70D17*1
T135/80R16*2T155/70D17 T155/70D17
Pressure 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
*1: 2.5 GT Limited model
*2: 3.0 R model & Wheel alignment
Item Legacy OUTBACK
Sedan Station wagon Station wagon
Toe Front 0 in (0 mm)
Rear 0 in (0 mm)
Camber Front 0815 ’ 0840 ’
Rear 0840 ’ 0830 ’
0810 ’Specifications
12-5

For U.S.A............................................................ 13-2
Tire information .................................................. 13-2
Tire labeling ....................................................... 13-2
Recommended tire inflation pressure .................. 13-5
Glossary of tire terminology ............................... 13-6
Tire care –maintenance and safety practices ...... 13-7
Vehicle load limit –how to determine .................. 13-8
Determining compatibility of tire and vehicle load capacities ...................................................... 13-11 Adverse safety consequences of overloading on
handling and stopping and on tires ................ 13-11
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit ......... 13-11
Uniform tire quality grading standards .......... 13-12
Treadwear ....................................................... 13-12
Traction AA, A, B, C ......................................... 13-12
Temperature A, B, C ......................................... 13-13
Reporting safety defects (USA) ...................... 13-13
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13

13-2Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
For U.S.A.
The following information has been
compiled according to Code of
Federal Regulations “Title 49, Part
575 ”. Tire information &
Tire labeling
Many markings (e.g. Tire size, Tire
Identification Number or TIN) are
placed on the sidewall of a tire by
tire manufacturers. These marking
can provide you with useful infor-
mation on the tire. ! Tire size
Your vehicle comes equipped with
P-Metric tire size. It is important to
understand the sizing system in
selecting the proper tire for your
vehicles. Here is a brief review of
the tire sizing system with a break-
down of its individual elements. ! P Metric
With the P-Metric system, Section
Width is measured in millimeters.
To convert millimeters into inches,
divide by 25.4. The Aspect Ratio
(Section Height divided by Section
Width) helps provide more dimen-
sional information about the tiresize. Example:
(1) P = Certain tire type used on
light duty vehicles such as passen-
ger cars
(2) Section Width in millimeters
(3) Aspect Ratio (= section height 7
section width).
(4) R = Radial Construction
(5) Rim diameter in inches
(6) ZR = Speed category above
149 mph (240 km/h) ! Load and Speed Rating Descrip- tions
The load and speed rating descrip-
tions will appear following the sizedesignation.
They provide two important facts
about the tire. First, the number
designation is its load index. Sec-
ond, the letter designation indicates

the tire’s speed rating.
Example:
(6) Load Index: A numerical code
which specifies the maximum load
a tire can carry at the speed
indicated by its speed symbol, at
maximum inflation pressure.
For example, “88 ”means 1,234 lbs
(560 kg), “87 ”means 1,201 lbs (545
kg), “86 ”means 1,168 lbs (530 kg)
WARNING
Load indices apply only to the
tire, not to the vehicle. Putting
a load rated tire on any vehicle
does not mean the vehicle can
be loaded up to the tire ’s rated
load.
(7) Speed Rating: An alphabetical
system describing a tire ’s capability
to travel at established and prede-
termined speeds.
For example, “V ” means 149 mph (240 km/h)
WARNING
. Speed ratings apply only to
the tire, not to the vehicle.
Putting a speed rated tire on
any vehicle does not mean
the vehicle can be operated
at the tire ’s rated speed.
. The speed rating is void if
the tires are worn out, da-
maged, repaired, retreaded,
or otherwise altered from
their original condition. If
tires are repaired, re-
treaded, or otherwise al-
tered, they may not be sui-
table for original equipment
tire designed loads andspeeds.
! Tire Identification Number (TIN)
Tire Identification Number (TIN) is
marked on the intended outboard
sidewall. The TIN is composed of
four groups. Here is a brief review
of the TIN with a breakdown of its individual elements.
(1) Manufacturer
’s Identification
Mark
(2) Tire Size
(3) Tire Type Code
(4) Date of Manufacture
The first two figures identify the
week, starting with “01 ”to represent
the first full week of the calendar
year; the second two figures repre-
sent the year. For example, 0101
means the 1st week of 2001.
! Other markings
The following makings are also
placed on the sidewall. ! Maximum permissible inflation
pressure
The maximum cold inflation pres-
sure to which this tire may be
inflated. For example, “300 kpa
(44 PSI) MAX. PRESS ”
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13-3
– CONTINUED –

&Recommended tire inflation pressure
! Recommended cold tire inflation pressure
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle ’s tires is as follows,
Tire size P205/
55R16 89H P225/
60R16 97H P205/
50R17 88V 215/
45R17 91W P225/
55R17 95V 215/
45R18 89Y P215/
45R18 89W
Wheel size 16 66.5JJ 17 67JJ 18 67JJ
Pres- sure Front
32 psi
(220 kPa,
2.2 kgf/cm
2) 32 psi
(220 kPa,
2.2 kgf/cm2) 33 psi
(230 kPa,
2.3 kgf/cm2) 35 psi
(240 kPa,
2.4 kgf/cm2) 32 psi
(220 kPa,
2.2 kgf/cm2) 33 psi
(230 kPa,
2.3 kgf/cm2)
Rear 30 psi
(210 kPa,
2.1 kgf/cm
2) 30 psi
(210 kPa,
2.1 kgf/cm2) 32 psi
(220 kPa,
2.2 kgf/cm2) 33 psi
(230 kPa,
2.3 kgf/cm2) 30 psi
(210 kPa,
2.1 kgf/cm2) 32 psi
(220 kPa,
2.2 kgf/cm2)
Rear at trailertowing –32 psi
(220 kPa,
2.2 kgf/cm
2) –
32 psi
(220 kPa,
2.2 kgf/cm2) –
Tem-poraryspare tire Size
T135/
80R16 T155/
70D17 T135/
80R16 T135/
70D17
*1
T135/
80R16*2
T155/
70D17 T155/70D17
Pres- sure 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
*1: 2.5 GT Limited model
*2: 3.0 R model Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13-5
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13-6Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
! Vehicle placard
The vehicle placard is affixed to the driver ’s side B-pillar.
Example:
The vehicle placard shows original
tire size, recommended cold tire
inflation pressure on each tire at
maximum loaded vehicle weight,
seating capacity and loading infor-mation. ! Adverse safety consequences
of under-inflation
Driving at high speeds with exces-
sively low tire pressures can cause
the tires to flex severely and to
rapidly become hot. A sharp in-
crease in temperature could cause
tread separation, and failure of the
tire(s). Possible resulting loss of
vehicle control could lead to anaccident. ! Measuring and adjusting air
pressure to achieve proper in-
flation
Check and, if necessary, adjust the
pressure of each tire (including the
spare) at least once a month and
before any long journey. Check the
tire pressures when the tires are
cold. Use a pressure gauge to
adjust the tire pressures to the specific values. Driving even a
short distance warms up the tires
and increases the tire pressures.
Also, the tire pressures are affected
by the outside temperature. It is
best to check tire pressure out-
doors before driving the vehicle.
When a tire becomes warm, the air
inside it expands, causing the tire
pressure to increase. Be careful not
to mistakenly release air from a
warm tire to reduce its pressure. &
Glossary of tire terminology
. Cold tire pressure
The pressure in a tire that has been
driven less than 1 mile or has been
standing for three hours or more.. Maximum inflation pressure
The maximum cold inflation pres-
sure to which a tire may be inflated. . Recommended inflation pres-
sure
The cold inflation pressure recom-
mended by a vehicle manufacturer.. Intended outboard sidewall
(1) The sidewall that contains a

whitewall, bears white lettering
or bears manufacturer, brand,
and/or model name molding that
is higher or deeper than the
same molding on the other side-
wall of the tire, or (2)The outward facing sidewall
of an asymmetrical tire that has
a particular side that must al-
ways face outward when mount-
ing on a vehicle.
. Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be
replaced) of floor mats, leather
seats and cross bars to the extent
that these items are available as
factory-installed equipment
(whether installed or not). . Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and
coolant and air conditioning. . Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory
weight, vehicle capacity weight and production options weight.
. Normal occupant weight
150 lbs (68 kg) times the number of
occupants (3 occupants). . Occupant distribution
Distribution of occupants in a vehi-
cle, 2 in front, 1 in rear seat.. Production options weight
The combined weight of those
installed regular production options
weighing over 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg) in
excess of those standards items
which they replace, not previously
considered in curb weight or acces-
sory weight. . Vehicle capacity weight
The total weight of cargo, luggage
and occupants that can be added to
the vehicle. . Vehicle maximum load on a tire
Load on an individual tire that is
determined by distributing to each
axle its share of the maximum
loaded vehicle weight and dividing
by two. . Vehicle normal load on a tire
Load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each
axle its share of the curb weight,
accessory weight, and normal oc-
cupant weight and dividing by two. &
Tire care –maintenance and
safety practices
. Check on a daily basis that the
tires are free from serious damage,
nails, and stones. At the same time,
check the tires for abnormal wear.. Inspect the tire tread regularly
and replace the tires before their
tread wear indicators become visi-
ble. When a tire ’s tread wear
indicator becomes visible, the tire
is worn beyond the acceptable limit
and must be replaced immediately.
With a tire in this condition, driving
at even low speeds in wet weather
can cause the vehicle to hydro-
plane. Possible resulting loss of
vehicle control can lead to anaccident. . To maximize the life of each tire
and ensure that the tires wear
uniformly, it is best to rotate the
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13-7
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13-8Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Rotating the tires involves switch-
ing the front and rear tires on the
right-hand side of the vehicle and
similarly switching the front and
rear tires on the left-hand side of
the vehicle. (Each tire must be kept
on its original side of the vehicle.)
Replace any damaged or unevenly
worn tire at the time of rotation.
After tire rotation, adjust the tire
pressures and make sure the wheel
nuts are correctly tightened. A
tightening torque specification and
a tightening sequence specification
for the wheel nuts can be found“ Flat tires
”section in chapter 9.
& Vehicle load limit –how to
determine
The load capacity of your vehicle is
determined by weight, not by avail-
able cargo space. The load limit of
your vehicle is shown on the
vehicle placard attached to the
driver ’s side B-pillar. Locate the
statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs
”
on your vehicle ’s placard.
Thevehicleplacardalsoshows
seating capacity of your vehicle.
The total load capacity includes the
total weight of driver and all pas-
sengers and their belongings, any
cargo, any optional equipment such
as a trailer hitch, roof rack or bike
carrier, etc., and the tongue load of
a trailer. Therefore cargo capacity
can be calculated by the followingmethod.
Cargo capacity = Load limit (total
weight of occupants + total weight
of optional equipment + tongue
load of a trailer (if applicable))
For towing capacity information and
weight limits, refer to the “Trailer
towing ”section in chapter 8.
! Calculating total and load ca-
pacities varying seating con-
figurations
Calculate the available load capa-
city as shown in the following examples:
Example 1A
Vehicle capacity weight of the
vehicle is 800 lbs (363 kg), which
is indicated on the vehicle placard
with the statement
“The combined
weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed 363 kg or
800 lbs ”.
For example, if the vehicle has one
occupant weighing 154 lbs (70 kg)
plus cargo weighing 551 lbs (250kg). 1. Calculate the total weight.