Rear Differential: 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.

Shift the select lever or gear shift lever to neutral.
Release the parking brake.
Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
Loosen the wheel nuts.
Lift up the vehicle.
Remove the wheels.
Drain differential gear oil. < Refer to REPLACEMENT , Differential Gear Oil. >
Remove the rear exhaust pipe and muffler.
- Non-turbo model
  < Refer to REMOVAL , Rear Exhaust Pipe. > < Refer to REMOVAL , Muffler. >
- Turbo model
  < Refer to REMOVAL , Rear Exhaust Pipe. > < Refer to REMOVAL , Muffler. >
Remove the heat shield cover.

Fig 1: Identifying Heat Shield Cover
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the propeller shaft. < Refer to REMOVAL , Propeller Shaft. >
Remove the DOJ of rear drive shaft from rear differential.
1. Remove the ABS wheel speed sensor cable from the clamp.
  
  Fig 2: Locating ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Cable Mounting Clamp
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. 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 3: Locating Rear Vehicle Height Sensor Nuts
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
3. Remove the bolts which secure the rear stabilizer link to the rear lateral link.
  
  Fig 4: Locating Rear Stabilizer Link Bolts
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
4. Remove the bolts which secure the shock absorber to the rear lateral link.
  
  Fig 5: Locating Shock Absorber To Rear Lateral Link Mounting Bolt
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
5. Remove the bolts which secure the rear lateral link to the housing.
  
  Fig 6: Locating Rear Lateral Link To Housing Mounting Bolt
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
6. Remove the bolts which secure the trailing link to the housing.
  
  Fig 7: Locating Trailing Link Bolt
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
7. Remove the DOJ from the rear differential by using ST.
  NOTE: When removing the DOJ from the rear differential, fit the ST to the bolts as shown in the figure so as not to damage the side retainer.
  
  ST 28099PA100 DRIVE SHAFT REMOVER
  
  Fig 8: Removing DOJ From Rear Differential Using Drive Shaft Remover
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Suspend the rear drive shaft to the rear crossmember using wire.

Fig 9: Suspending Rear Drive Shaft To Rear Cross-Member Using Wire
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Support the rear differential with the transmission jack.

Fig 10: Supporting Rear Differential Using Transmission Jack
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the rear differential front member.

Fig 11: Identifying Rear Differential Front Member And Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the self-lock nuts which hold the rear differential to the rear crossmember.

Fig 12: Rear Crossmember Self-Lock Nuts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
While slowly lowering the transmission jack, move the rear differential forward, and remove the rear differential from the vehicle.

Fig 13: Supporting Rear Differential Using Transmission Jack
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the rear differential member plate from the rear differential.

Fig 14: Identifying Rear Differential Member Plate And Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.