Rear Drive Shaft: Removal

Lift up the vehicle, and then remove the rear wheels.
Remove the axle nut.
CAUTION: Do not loosen the axle nut while the rear axle is loaded. Doing so may damage the hub bearing.
1. Lift the crimped section of axle nut.
2. Remove the axle nut using a socket wrench while depressing the brake pedal.
  
  Fig 1: Removing Axle Nut Using Socket Wrench
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Drain differential gear oil.
Remove the trailing link.
1. Remove the bracket, and remove the parking brake cable from the guide (a).
2. Remove the bolts and nuts, and then remove the trailing link.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Trailing Link Guide And Bolts
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the bolts and nuts and lower the rear lateral link.
CAUTION: Be careful not to damage the boot of the joint.
1. Remove the nut and disconnect the rear stabilizer link.
2. Remove the shock absorber lower bolt.
3. Disconnect the rear lateral link.
  
  Fig 3: Locating Rear Lateral Link Bolts And Nuts
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the rear drive shaft from the rear differential.
- T-type
  1. Fit the ST to the bolt (a) as shown in the figure.
    CAUTION: Fit the ST to the bolts as shown in the figure to prevent damage of the side bearing retainer.
    
    Preparation tool:
    
    ST: DRIVE SHAFT REMOVER (28099PA100)
    
    Fig 4: Fitting ST To Bolt
    Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  2. Extract the rear drive shaft from the rear differential.
- VA-type
  1. Fit the tire lever (b) to the bolt (a) as shown in the figure.
    CAUTION: To prevent damage to the side bearing retainer, use by placing the tire lever against the bolt as shown in the figure.
    
    Preparation tool:
    
    Tire lever
    
    Fig 5: Fitting Tire Lever To Bolt
    Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  2. Extract the rear drive shaft from the rear differential.
Remove the rear drive shaft from the rear axle.
NOTE: If it is hard to remove, use the ST.

Preparation tool:

ST1: AXLE SHAFT PULLER (926470000)

ST2: AXLE SHAFT PULLER PLATE (28099PA110)

Fig 6: Removing Rear Drive Shaft From Rear Axle Using ST
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.