Rear Differential Front Oil Seal: Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Subaru Outback and 2007 Subaru Legacy. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Shift the select lever or gear shift lever to neutral.
Release the parking brake.
Remove the oil drain plug, and drain gear oil.
- Except for VA2-type
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Filler Plug And Drain Plug (Except For VA2-Type)
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- VA2-type
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Filler Plug And Drain Plug (VA2-Type)
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Install the oil drain plug.
NOTE:
- Apply liquid gasket to the drain plug for the T-type (except for GT spec. B 6MT model).
  Liquid gasket:
  
  THREE BOND 1105 (Part No. 004403010) or equivalent
- Use a new copper gasket for the VA1 -type and T-type (GT spec. B 6MT model).
- Use a new metal gasket for the VA2-type.
Tightening torque:

T-type (except for GT spec. B 6MT model):

49 N.m (5.0 kgf-m, 36.2 ft-lb)

T-type (GT spec. B 6MT model):

60 N.m (6.1 kgf-m, 44.3 ft-lb)

VA1-type:

34 N.m (3.5 kgf-m, 25.1 ft-lb)

VA2-type:

29 N.m (3.0 kgf-m, 21.4 ft-lb)
Jack-up the rear wheel and support the body with rigid racks.
Remove the rear exhaust pipe and muffler.
Remove the heat shield cover. (When equipped)
Remove the propeller shaft. <Ref. to REMOVAL , Propeller Shaft .>
Remove the self-locking nut while holding the companion flange with ST.
ST 498427200 FLANGE WRENCH

Fig 3: Removing Self-Locking Nut
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Extract the companion flange using ST.
ST 399703600 PULLER ASSY

Fig 4: Installing Companion Flange (ST)
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the oil seal using ST or screwdriver.
ST 398527700 PULLER ASSY

Fig 5: Installing Oil Seal (ST)
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Install a new oil seal with ST.
ST 498447120 OIL SEAL INSTALLER

Fig 6: Tapping Oil Seal (ST)
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Install the companion flange.
NOTE: Use a plastic hammer to install companion flange.
Apply seal material on the drive pinion shaft thread and new self-locking nut seat.
SEAL MATERIAL

THREE BOND 1324 (Part No. 004403042) or equivalent
Tighten the self-locking nut within the specified torque range so that the rotating resistance of companion flange becomes the same as that of before oil seal replacement.
ST 498427200 FLANGE WRENCH

NOTE: Use a new self-locking nut.

Tightening torque:

T-type:

181.5 N.m (18.5 kgf-m, 134.0 ft-lb)

VA-type:

191 N.m (19.5 kgf-m, 141.0 ft-lb)

Fig 7: Removing Self-Locking Nut
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Hereafter, reassemble in the reverse order of disassembly.