Propeller Shaft: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2001 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Before removing propeller shaft, wrap metal parts with a cloth or rubber material.
In case of DOJ type, before removing propeller shaft, wrap metal parts (installed at the rubber boot of center DOJ) with a cloth or rubber material. See Fig 1 . Rubber boot may be damaged due to interference with adjacent metal parts while bending the DOJ during removal.

Fig 1: Wrapping Metal Parts With A Cloth Or Rubber Material

Disconnect ground terminal from battery.
Move select lever or gear shift lever to "N".
Release the parking brake.
Jack-up vehicle and support it with sturdy racks.
Remove front exhaust cover.

Fig 2: Removing Front Exhaust Cover
Remove differential mount front cover.

Fig 3: Removing Differential Mount Front Cover
Remove the four bolts which hold propeller shaft to rear differential.
NOTE:
- Put matching mark on affected parts before removal.
- Remove all but one bolt.
  
  Fig 4: Removing Four Bolts Which Hold Propeller Shaft To Rear Differential
Remove the two bolts which hold center bearing to vehicle body.

Fig 5: Removing Two Bolts Which Hold Center Bearing
Remove propeller shaft from transmission.
CAUTION:
- Be sure not to damage oil seals and the frictional surface of sleeve yoke.
- Cover the center exhaust pipe with a cloth because ATF or oil may be spilled from transmission, when removing propeller shaft.
NOTE:
- Be sure to use an empty oil can to catch oil flowing out when removing propeller shaft.
- Be sure to plug the opening in transmission after removal of propeller shaft.
Install the extension cap to transmission.
NOTE: If extension cap is not available, cover the opening with a vinyl bag in order to prevent gear oil or ATF leakage.

Fig 7: Installing Extension Cap To Transmission