Differential Side Retainer Oil Seal: Inspection: Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

CAUTION:

Immediately after the vehicle has been running or after idling for a long time, the differential gear oil will be hot. Be careful not to burn yourself.
Be careful not to spill the differential gear oil on exhaust pipe to prevent it from emitting smoke or fire. If differential gear oil is spilled on the exhaust pipe, wipe it off completely.

Lift up the vehicle, and remove the front wheels.
After pulling off the cotter pin and removing the castle nut, use a puller to remove the tie-rod end.

Fig 1: Identifying Tie Rod End Components
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Lift up the vehicle.
Remove the front under cover. Ref. to REMOVAL , Front Under Cover.
Remove the front exhaust pipe. Ref. to REMOVAL , Front Exhaust Pipe.
Drain differential gear oil. Ref. to REPLACEMENT , Differential Gear Oil.
Tighten the differential gear oil drain plug.
NOTE: Use a new gasket.

Tightening torque:

70 N.m (7.1 kgf-m, 51.6 ft-lb)
Remove the stabilizer link. Ref. to REMOVAL , Front Stabilizer.
Disconnect the lower arm ball joint and housing.
Pull out the front drive shaft from transmission using a crowbar.
Holding the joint of front drive shaft from transmission side, pull out the drive shaft from transmission with care not to stretch the boot.
Remove the differential side retainer oil seal using driver wrapped with vinyl tape etc.
Using the ST, install the differential side retainer oil seal by lightly tapping with a hammer.
ST 18675AA000 DIFFERENTIAL SIDE OIL SEAL INSTALLER
NOTE:
- Apply differential gear oil to the lip surface, so that the oil seal lip is not deformed.
- Apply differential gear oil to the press-fitting surface of oil seal and the differential side retainer.
- Oil seal has an identification mark (R, L). When installing oil seals, do not confuse the left and right.
Fig 2: Installing Differential Side Retainer Oil Seal
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Set the ST to differential side retainer.
ST 28399SA010 OIL SEAL PROTECTOR

Fig 3: Setting Oil Seal Protector To Differential Side Retainer
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Replace the circlip of the drive shaft with a new part.
Insert the front drive shaft spline section into transmission and remove the ST (OIL SEAL PROTECTOR).
Insert the drive shaft into the transmission securely by pressing the housing from outside of the vehicle.
Insert the ball joint into housing and secure with bolt.
CAUTION:
- Before tightening, make sure the bottom surface of the housing assembly - front axle and the stepped section of ball joint are in contact.
- Do not apply grease to the tapered portion of ball stud.
Tightening torque:

50 N.m (5.1 kgf-m, 36.9 ft-lb)

Fig 4: Identifying Sections Of Ball Joint Assembly
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Install the stabilizer link.
Tightening torque:

60 N.m (6.1 kgf-m, 44.3 ft-lb)
Install the front exhaust pipe. Ref. to INSTALLATION , Front Exhaust Pipe.
Install the front under cover. Ref. to INSTALLATION , Front Under Cover.
Lower the vehicle.
Connect the tie-rod end and knuckle arm, and attach the castle nut.
Tightening torque:

27 N.m (2.75 kgf-m, 19.9 ft-lb)

CAUTION: When connecting, do not hit the cap at the bottom of tie-rod end with hammer.
After tightening the castle nut to the specified tightening torque, tighten it further within 60° until the cotter pin hole is aligned with slot in the nut. Fit the cotter pin into the nut, and then bend the pin to lock.

Fig 5: Identifying Tie Rod End Components
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Refill differential gear oil from the charge pipe. Ref. to DIFFERENTIAL GEAR OIL
Adjust the differential gear oil level, and check for leakage. Ref. to ADJUSTMENT , Differential Gear Oil.
Install the front tires.