Rear Shock Absorber: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
Remove the luggage floor mat.
Remove the strut cap of the quarter trim.
Lift up the vehicle, and then remove the rear wheels.
Disconnect the connector, and then remove the nut to remove the rear vehicle height sensor. (model with auto headlight beam leveler, left side only)

Fig 1: Identifying Rear Vehicle Height Sensor Mounting Nuts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the nut and disconnect the rear stabilizer link.
Remove the shock absorber lower bolt.
Disconnect the rear lateral link.

Fig 2: Identifying Rear Stabilizer Nut And Shock Absorber Lower Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the shock absorber mount nut.

Fig 3: Identifying Shock Absorber Mounting Nuts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the shock absorber.