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Front Axle: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Lift-up the vehicle and remove the front wheels.
  2. Unlock the axle nut.
    Fig 1: Removing Front Wheels
    G03808332Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  3. Remove the axle nut using a socket wrench while depressing the brake pedal.
    CAUTION: Remove the axle nut with vehicle weight not applied on axle. Failure to follow this rule may damage the wheel bearings.
  4. Remove the stabilizer link.
    Fig 2: Removing Stabilizer Link
    G03808333Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  5. Remove the disc brake caliper from housing, and suspend it from strut using a wire.
  6. Remove the disc rotor from hub.
    NOTE: If the disc rotor seizes up within hub, drive disc rotor out by installing an 8 mm bolt in screw hole on the rotor.
    Fig 3: Removing Disc Brake Caliper From Housing
    G03808334Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  7. Remove the cotter pin and castle nut which secure tie-rod end to housing knuckle arm.
    Fig 4: Locating Cotter Pin And Castle Nut
    G03808335Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  8. Using a puller, remove the tie-rod ball joint from knuckle arm.
    Fig 5: Locating Tie-Rod Ball Joint And Knuckle Arm
    G03808336Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  9. Remove the ABS wheel speed sensor assembly and harness.
    Fig 6: Locating ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Assembly
    G03808337Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  10. Remove the transverse link ball joint from housing.
    Fig 7: Locating Transverse Link Ball Joint
    G03808338Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  11. Remove the front drive shaft assembly from hub. If it is hard to remove, use the STs.

    ST1 926470000 AXLE SHAFT PULLER

    ST2 927140000 AXLE SHAFT PULLER PLATE

    CAUTION: Be sure to replace the differential side retainer oil seal at transmission side with a new one when removing front drive shaft.
  12. Suspend the front drive shaft to vehicle body using a wire.
    Fig 8: Removing Front Drive Shaft Assembly Using Axle Shaft Puller ST1 926470000 And Axle Shaft Puller Plate ST2 927140000
    G03808339Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  13. After scribing an alignment mark on the camber adjusting bolt head, remove the bolts which connect housing and strut, and disconnect housing from strut.
    Fig 9: Locating Housing And Strut Bolts
    G03808340Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
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