Rear Drive Shaft: Installation

Replace the rear differential side oil seal. Refer to REAR DIFFERENTIAL SIDE OIL SEAL .
NOTE: After pulling out the drive shaft, be sure to replace with a new oil seal.
Insert the drive shaft into the rear hub spline, and pull the drive shaft into specified position.
CAUTION:
- Be careful not to damage the magnetic encoder.
- Do not get closer the tool which charged magnetism to magnetic encoder.
- Do not hammer drive shaft when installing it.
Fig 1: Identifying Rear Hub Unit Bearing And Magnetic Encoder
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Tighten the axle nut temporarily.
Using the ST, install the rear drive shaft to the rear differential.
PREPARATION TOOL:

ST: OIL SEAL PROTECTOR (28099PA090)

Fig 2: Installing Rear Drive Shaft To Rear Differential
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Attach the links to the rear housing and tighten them to the specified torque.
Tightening torque:

Stabilizer link: 33 N.m (3.4 kgf-m, 24.3 ft-lb)

Shock absorber: 120 N.m (12.2 kgf-m, 88.5 ft-lb)

Rear lateral link: 80 N.m (8.2 kgf-m, 59 ft-lb)

Trailing link - rear sub frame: 120 N.m (12.2 kgf-m, 88.5 ft-lb)

Trailing link - rear housing: 80 N.m (8.2 kgf-m, 59 ft-lb)
While pressing the brake pedal, tighten the new axle nuts to the specified torque.
CAUTION: Do not load the rear axle before tightening the axle nut. Doing so may damage the hub bearing.

Tightening torque:

240 N.m (24.47 kgf-m, 177 ft-lb)
Lock the axle nut securely.

Fig 3: Locking Axle Nut
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Fill differential gear oil.
Install the rear wheels.
Tightening torque:

120 N.m (12.24 kgf-m, 88.5 ft-lb)
Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust if necessary.