Propeller Shaft: Removal

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, as shown in 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 Cloth Or Rubber Material

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
Shift the select lever or gear shift lever to neutral.
Release the parking brake.
Lift-up the vehicle.
Remove the center exhaust pipe.
Remove the rear exhaust pipe and muffler.
Remove the heat shield cover.

Fig 2: Removing Heat Shield Cover
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Make matching marks on the flange yoke and rear differential before removal.

Fig 3: Placing Matching Marks On Flange Yoke And Rear Differential
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Remove the three bolts which hold propeller shaft to rear differential.
Remove the remaining bolt.
Remove the two bolts which hold center bearing to vehicle body.

Fig 4: Removing Bolts Holding Center Bearing To Vehicle Body
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the propeller shaft from transmission.
CAUTION:
- Be careful not to damage oil seals and frictional surface of sleeve yoke.
- Cover the center exhaust pipe with a cloth to keep off any ATF or oil spilled from transmission when removing propeller shaft.
NOTE: Use a container to catch ATF or oil flowing from propeller shaft.

Fig 5: Removing Propeller Shaft From Transmission
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Install the extension cap to transmission.
NOTE: If extension cap is not available, place vinyl bag over opening and fasten with string to prevent gear oil or ATF from leaking.

Fig 6: Locating Extension Cap To Transmission
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