Rear Differential Front Oil Seal: Replacement

Shift the select lever or gear shift lever to neutral.
Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
Release the parking brake.
Lift up the vehicle.
Drain differential gear oil. Ref. to DIFFERENTIALS>Differential Gear Oil>REPLACEMENT .
Remove the rear exhaust pipe.
- 2.5 L non-turbo model
  Ref. to EXHAUST(H4DO)>Rear Exhaust Pipe>REMOVAL .
- 2.0 L turbo model
Ref. to EXHAUST(H4DOTC)>Rear Exhaust Pipe>REMOVAL .
Remove the center exhaust cover.

Fig 1: Identifying Rear Differential Front Oil Seal Center Exhaust Cover
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the propeller shaft. Ref. to DRIVE SHAFT SYSTEM>Propeller Shaft>REMOVAL .
Check the initial torque and write it down.
Remove the self-locking nut while holding the companion flange with ST.
ST 498427200 FLANGE WRENCH

Fig 2: Removing Rear Differential Front Oil Seal Self Locking Nut Using Special Tool
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Extract the companion flange using the ST.
ST 399703600 PULLER ASSY

Fig 3: Removing Rear Differential Companion Flange Using Special Tool
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the oil seal using ST or screwdriver.
ST 398527700 PULLER ASSY

Fig 4: Removing Rear Differential Oil Seal Using Special Tool And Screwdriver
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Using the ST, install the oil seal.
NOTE:
- Use a new oil seal.
- Apply differential gear oil to the oil seal lips.
ST 498447120 INSTALLER

Fig 5: Installing Rear Differential Oil Seal Using Special Tool
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Install the companion flange.
NOTE: Use a plastic hammer to install companion flange.
Tighten the self-locking nut to the specified torque so that the initial torque of companion flange becomes the same as that of before oil seal replacement.
NOTE:
- Use a new self-locking nut.
- Before installing the self-locking nut, apply the seal material to the threads of the drive pinion shaft and to the seating surface of the self-locking nut.
Seal material:

THREE BOND 1324 (Part No. 004403042) or equivalent

Tightening torque:

T-type

167 - 196 N.m (17.0 - 20.0 kgf-m, 123.2 - 144.6 ft-lb)

VA1-type

162 - 220 N.m (16.5 - 22.5 kgf-m, 119.5 - 162.3 ft-lb)

ST 498427200 FLANGE WRENCH

Fig 6: Tightening Rear Differential Self-Locking Nut Using Special Tool
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Hereafter, perform assembly in the reverse order of disassembly.
Fill differential gear oil. Ref. to DIFFERENTIALS>Differential Gear Oil>REPLACEMENT .