Power Rear Gate Rod: Removal

Disconnect the ground cable from battery. Ref. to BATTERY .
Remove the rod - power rear gate.
1. Disconnect the upper part of the rod - power rear gate from the rear gate.
  CAUTION: Using a small flat tip screwdriver wrapped with protective tape, remove the part by gradually applying force. Forcibly removing the part may deform the stop ring.
  1. Press the rod against the ball stud bolt.
  2. With the rod pressed, remove the stop ring while sliding along the ball housing groove.
  3. Disconnect the rod from ball stud bolt.
    
    Fig 1: Disconnecting Rod From Ball Stud Bolt
    Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. Release the claws and then remove the cap - rear quarter pillar UPR.
  
  Fig 2: Removing Cap - Rear Quarter Pillar UPR
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
3. Disconnect the lower part of the rod - power rear gate from the power rear gate drive unit (PRG D/U), and then remove the rod - power rear gate.
  NOTE: Perform the same procedures as for the upper part of rod - power rear gate.