Front Drive Shaft: Removal

Lift up the vehicle, and then remove the front wheels.
Remove the nut - axle.
CAUTION: Do not loosen the nut - axle while the front axle is loaded. Doing so may damage the hub unit COMPL.
1. Lift the crimped section of the nut - axle.
2. Remove the nut - axle using a socket wrench while depressing the brake pedal.
  
  Fig 1: Removing Axle Nut Using Socket Wrench
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Drain the transmission gear oil. (MT model)
Drain differential gear oil. (CVT model)
Disconnect the ball joint.
1. Remove the nut and disconnect the front stabilizer link.
2. Remove the bolts, disconnect the front arm ball joint, and lower the front arm assembly.
  CAUTION: Be careful not to damage the boot of the joint.
  
  Fig 2: Locating Front Stabilizer Link Bolt
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the front drive shaft assembly from the housing assembly - front axle.
NOTE: If it is hard to remove, use the ST.

Preparation tool:

ST1: AXLE SHAFT PULLER (926470000)

ST2: AXLE SHAFT PULLER PLATE (28099PA110)

Fig 3: Removing Axle Shaft Puller (ST1) And Axle Shaft Puller Plate (ST2)
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Using a bar, remove the front drive shaft assembly from transmission.
CAUTION: Be careful not to allow the bar to damage holder area.