Rear Shock Absorber: Removal

Disconnect the ground cable from battery. Ref. to NOTE>NOTE>BATTERY .
NOTE: For model with battery sensor, disconnect the ground terminal from battery sensor.
Lift up the vehicle, and then remove the rear wheels.
Remove the sensor assembly - headlight beam leveler. (Model with auto headlight beam leveler, left side only) Ref. to LIGHTING SYSTEM>Rear Height Sensor>REMOVAL .
Remove the bolts and nuts, and lower the lateral link assembly - rear.
1. Remove the nut and disconnect the rear stabilizer link.
2. Remove the bolts from the lower side of rear shock absorber assembly.
3. Disconnect the housing assembly - rear axle from the lateral link assembly - rear.
Fig 1: Rear Shock Absorber Assembly Lower Side Bolts Loosening Sequence
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the mat - rear floor, spacer - rear floor, and cover - trunk.

Fig 2: Identifying Rear Floor Mat, Spacer And Trunk Cover
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Release the claws (a) and guide (b), and then remove the cap - rear strut.
CAUTION: When removing the cap - rear strut, make sure to remove the claws (a) first. Removing the guide (b) first may damage claws or guide.

Fig 3: Identifying Rear Strut Cap Claws And Guide
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the plug, and remove the nuts on the upper side of rear shock absorber assembly.

Fig 4: Locating Rear Shock Absorber Assembly Upper Side Nuts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Lower the lateral link assembly - rear, and remove the rear shock absorber assembly.