2000 Subaru Outback Hesitation and clunk

Fig. Fig. 5: Adjusting the brake band

This adjustment can be performed on the outside of the transaxle.

1. Park the car on a level surface or support it on jackstands, engine off.
2. Locate the adjusting screw above the pan on the left side of the transaxle.
3. Loosen the locknut.
4. On 1985 and later models, tighten the adjusting screw to 18 ft. Lbs. (25 Nm), then turn it back exactly 3 / 4 turn.
5. Tighten the lock nut.

Following the above procedure will adjust the transaxle brake band to the factory specified setting. However, if any of the following conditions are detected the adjusting screw can be moved 1 / 4 turn in either direction:

Turn 1 / 4 turn clockwise if the transaxle:

Jolts when shifting from 1st to 2nd
Engine speed abruptly rises from 2nd to 3rd, or,
Shift delays in kickdown from 3rd to 2nd.

Turn 1 / 4 turn counterclockwise if:

Car slips from 1st to 2nd, or
There is braking action at shift from 2nd