Front Axle: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Subaru Impreza. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Lift-up the vehicle and remove the front wheels.
Unlock the axle nut.

Fig 1: Unlocking Axle Nut
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the axle nut using a socket wrench while depressing the brake pedal.
CAUTION: Remove the axle nut with vehicle weight not applied on axle. Failure to follow this rule may damage the wheel bearings.
Remove the stabilizer link.
- Sedan model
  
  Fig 2: Removing Stabilizer Link (Sedan Model)
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Wagon model
  
  Fig 3: Removing Stabilizer Link (Wagon Model)
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the disc brake caliper from housing, and suspend it from strut using a wire.
Remove the disc rotor from hub.
NOTE: If the disc rotor seizes up within hub, drive disc rotor out by installing an 8-mm bolt in screw hole on rotor.

Fig 4: Removing Disc Rotor From Hub
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the cotter pin and castle nut which secure tie-rod end to housing knuckle arm.

Fig 5: Locating Cotter Pin And Castle Nut
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Using a puller, remove the tie-rod ball joint from knuckle arm.

Fig 6: Removing Tie-Rod Ball Joint From Knuckle Arm
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the ABS wheel speed sensor assembly and harness.

Fig 7: Locating ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Assembly And Harness
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the transverse link ball joint from housing.

Fig 8: Locating Transverse Link Ball Joint
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the front drive shaft assembly from hub. If it is hard to remove, use the STs.
ST1 926470000 AXLE SHAFT PULLER

ST2 927140000 AXLE SHAFT PULLER PLATE
CAUTION:
- Be sure to replace the differential side retainer oil seal at transmission side with a new one when removing the front drive shaft.
- Suspend the front drive shaft to vehicle body using a wire.
Fig 9: Removing Front Drive Shaft Assembly From Hub Using Special Tools
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
After scribing an alignment mark on the camber adjusting bolt head, remove the bolts which connect the housing and strut, and disconnect the housing from strut.

Fig 10: Removing Housing From Strut
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.