Rear Differential: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Subaru Impreza. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Set the vehicle on a lift.
Disconnect the ground cable from the battery.
Shift the select lever or gear shift lever to neutral.
Release the parking brake.
Loosen the wheel nuts.
Lift up the vehicle.
Remove the wheels.
Remove the rear exhaust pipe and muffler.
- Non-turbo model
  <Ref. to REMOVAL , Rear Exhaust Pipe for H4SO engine. > <Ref. to REMOVAL , Muffler for H4SO engine. >
- Turbo model
<Ref. to REMOVAL , Rear Exhaust Pipe for H4DOTC engine. > <Ref. to REMOVAL , Muffler for H4DOTC engine. >
Remove the heat shield cover.

Fig 1: Identifying Heat Shield Cover
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Separate the rear differential side of the propeller shaft.

Fig 2: Identifying Propeller Shaft
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NOTE: Make alignment marks on the flange yoke and rear differential before separating it.

Fig 3: Identifying Alignment Marks On Flange Yoke And Rear Differential
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Remove the DOJ of rear drive shaft from rear differential.
1. Remove the ABS wheel speed sensor cable from the clamp.
  
  Fig 4: Identifying ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Cable
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  1. ABS wheel speed sensor cable
2. Remove the bolts which secure the rear stabilizer link to the rear lateral link.
  
  Fig 5: Locating Rear Stabilizer Link Bolts
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3. Remove the bolts which secure the shock absorber to the rear lateral link.
  
  Fig 6: Locating Shock Absorber Bolts
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4. Remove the bolts which secure the rear lateral link to the housing.
  
  Fig 7: Locating Rear Lateral Link Bolts
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5. Remove the bolts which secure the trailing link to the housing.
  
  Fig 8: Locating Trailing Link Bolts
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6. Remove the DOJ from the rear differential by using ST.
NOTE: When removing the DOJ from the rear differential, fit the ST to the bolts as shown in the figure so as not to damage the side bearing retainer.

ST 208099PA100 DRIVE SHAFT REMOVER

Fig 9: Removing DOJ From Rear Differential
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Suspend the rear drive shaft to the rear cross-member using wire.

Fig 10: Suspending Rear Drive Shaft
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Remove the rear differential front member.

Fig 11: Identifying Rear Differential Front Member
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Support the rear differential with the transmission jack.

Fig 12: Supporting Rear Differential With Transmission Jack
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Remove the self-lock nuts which hold the rear differential to the rear crossmember.

Fig 13: Identifying Rear Differential Self-Lock Nuts
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Remove the dynamic damper assembly. (wagon AT model)

Fig 14: Identifying Dynamic Damper Assembly (Wagon AT Model)
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While slowly lowering the transmission jack, move the rear differential forward, and remove the rear differential from vehicle.

Fig 15: Removing Rear Differential From Vehicle
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Remove the rear differential member plate from rear differential.

Fig 16: Identifying Rear Differential Member Plate
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.