Rear Drive Shaft: Installation

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.

Replace the rear differential side oil seal. < Refer to REPLACEMENT , Rear Differential Side Oil Seal. >
NOTE: After pulling out the drive shaft, be sure to replace with a new oil seal.
Insert the EBJ into rear hub splines.
CAUTION:
- Be careful not to damage the magnetic encoder.
- Do not get closer the tool which charged magnetism to magnetic encoder.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Magnetic Encoder And Rear Hub Unit Bearing
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Draw the rear drive shaft into specified position.
CAUTION: Do not hammer drive shaft when installing it.
Tighten the axle nut temporarily.
Using the ST, install the rear drive shaft to the rear differential.
ST 28099PA090 OIL SEAL PROTECTOR

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

Stabilizer link

38 N.m (3.87 kgf-m, 28.0 ft-lb)

Shock absorber

80 N.m (8.16 kgf-m, 59.0 ft-lb)

Rear lateral link

80 N.m (8.16 kgf-m, 59.0 ft-lb)

Trailing link

90 N.m (9.18 kgf-m, 66.4 ft-lb)
While pressing the brake pedal, tighten the new axle nuts to the specified torque.
CAUTION:
- Do not apply weight to the rear axle before tightening the axle nut. Doing so may damage the hub bearing.
- Do not overtighten the nuts as this may damage the hub bearing.
Tightening torque:

190 N.m (19.37 kgf-m, 140.1 ft-lb)
Lock the axle nut securely.

Fig 3: Locking Axle Nut
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Install the rear vehicle height sensor. (model with auto headlight beam leveler, left side only)
Tightening torque:

7.5 N.m (0.76 kgf-m, 5.5 ft-lb)
Fill differential gear oil.
Install the rear wheels.
Tightening torque:

100 N.m (10.20 kgf-m, 73.8 ft-lb)
Connect the battery ground terminal.
Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust if necessary. < Refer to INSPECTION , Wheel Alignment. >
Perform reinitialization of the auto headlight beam leveler system. (model with auto headlight beam leveler) < Refer to PROCEDURE , Auto Headlight Beam Leveler System. >