Rear Sub Frame: 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.
Lift up the vehicle, and then remove the rear wheels.
Disconnect the connector, and then 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.
Separate the front exhaust pipe and rear exhaust pipe.
Remove the rear exhaust pipe and muffler.
Remove the propeller shaft. < Refer to REMOVAL , Propeller Shaft. >
Remove the brake hose bracket.

Fig 2: Identifying Brake Hose Bracket Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the rear disc brake caliper, and suspend it from the shock absorber.

Fig 3: Identifying Rear Disc Brake Caliper
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Remove the rear parking brake cable from the parking brake assembly. < Refer to REMOVAL , Parking Brake Assembly (Rear Disc Brake). >
Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector.

Fig 4: Identifying ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the shock absorber lower bolt.

Fig 5: Identifying Shock Absorber Lower Bolt
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Support the sub frame using a jack.
Remove the support plate.

Fig 6: Identifying Support Plate Mounting Bolts
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Remove the rear sub frame.

Fig 7: Identifying Rear Sub Frame Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.