Rear Drive Shaft: 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.
Lift the crimped section of axle nut.

Fig 1: Lifting Crimped Section Of Axle Nut
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the axle nut using a socket wrench while depressing the brake pedal.
CAUTION: Remove the wheel before loosening the axle nut. Failure to follow this rule may damage the wheel bearings.
Drain differential gear oil.
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 2: Locating Rear Vehicle Height Sensor Connector And Nuts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the rear trailing link. < Refer to REMOVAL , Rear Trailing Link. >
Remove the rear lateral link. < Refer to REMOVAL , Rear Lateral Link. >
Remove the rear drive shaft from the rear differential by using the ST.
ST 28099PA100 DRIVE SHAFT REMOVER

NOTE: Fit the ST to the bolts as shown in the figure to prevent damage of the side bearing retainer.

Fig 3: Removing Rear Drive Shaft From Rear Differential Using Drive Shaft Remover
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the rear drive shaft from the rear axle. If it is hard to remove, use ST1 and ST2.
ST1 926470000 AXLE SHAFT PULLER

ST2 28099PA110 AXLE SHAFT PULLER PLATE

Fig 4: Identifying Axle Shaft Puller And Axle Shaft Puller Plate
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.