Propeller Shaft: Removal

CAUTION:

Do not disassemble the propeller shaft.
Before removing propeller shaft, wrap the metal parts attached to the rubber boot of the center joint with a cloth or rubber material, as shown in the figure. The rubber boot may be damaged due to interference with adjacent metal parts while bending the joint during removal.

Fig 1: Wrapping Metal Parts Attached To Rubber Boot Of Center Joint With Cloth

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Shift the select lever or gear shift lever to neutral.
Release the parking brake.
Lift up the vehicle.
Remove the exhaust pipe and muffler.
- Center exhaust pipe:
  - Turbo model: Ref. to EXHAUST (H4DOTC)>Center Exhaust Pipe>REMOVAL .
  - Non-turbo model: Ref. to EXHAUST(H4DO)>Center Exhaust Pipe>REMOVAL .
- Rear exhaust pipe:
  - Turbo model: Ref. to EXHAUST (H4DOTC)>Rear Exhaust Pipe>REMOVAL .
  - Non-turbo model: Ref. to EXHAUST(H4DO)>Rear Exhaust Pipe>REMOVAL .
- Muffler:
  - Turbo model: Ref. to EXHAUST (H4DOTC)>Muffler>REMOVAL .
  - Non-turbo model: Ref. to EXHAUST(H4DO)>Muffler>REMOVAL .
Remove the bolts, and then remove the center exhaust cover.

Fig 2: Identifying Center Exhaust Cover
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the propeller shaft assembly.
CAUTION: Do not disassemble the propeller shaft.
1. Place alignment marks (A) on the flange yoke and rear differential.
2. Remove four bolts and nuts holding the propeller shaft to the rear differential.
  
  Fig 3: Identifying Alignment Marks On Flange Yoke And Rear Differential
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
3. Remove the center bearing.
  
  Fig 4: Locating Center Bearing Bolts
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
4. Remove the propeller shaft from transmission.
  CAUTION: Be careful not to damage oil seals and contact surface of the sleeve yoke.
  NOTE:
  - Use a container to catch CVTF or oil flowing from propeller shaft.
  - To prevent CVTF from leaking, install extension cap etc. to the transmission.

Fig 5: Locating Propeller Shaft From Transmission

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.