Differential Side Retainer Oil Seal: Replacement

Lift up the vehicle.
Remove the center exhaust pipe.
- Non-turbo model
< Refer to REMOVAL , Center Exhaust Pipe. >
- Turbo model
< Refer to REMOVAL , Center Exhaust Pipe. >
Remove the differential gear oil drain plug using TORX® bit T70, and then drain differential gear oil.
CAUTION:
- The differential gear oil will be extremely hot after driving. Be careful not to receive burns.
- Be careful not to spill the differential gear oil on exhaust pipe to prevent it from emitting smoke or causing fires. If differential gear oil is spilled on the exhaust pipe, wipe it off completely.
Fig 1: Identifying Drain Plug
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Tighten the differential gear oil drain plug.
NOTE: Use a new gasket.

Tightening torque:

Aluminum gasket (silver)

44 N.m (4.5 kgf-m, 32.5 ft-lb)

Copper gasket (brown)

70 N.m (7.1 kgf-m, 51.6 ft-lb)

Metal gasket (black)

70 N.m (7.1 kgf-m, 51.6 ft-lb)
Separate the front drive shaft from the transmission. < Refer to REMOVAL , Front Drive Shaft. >
Remove the differential side retainer oil seal using a screwdriver wrapped with vinyl tape etc.
Using the ST, install the differential side retainer oil seal by lightly tapping with a plastic hammer.
CAUTION: Apply differential gear oil to the oil seal lips, and install the oil seal while being careful not to deform the lip.

NOTE: Use a new oil seal.

ST 18675AA000 DIFFERENTIAL SIDE OIL SEAL INSTALLER

Fig 2: Installing Oil Seal Using Differential Side Oil Seal Installer
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Using the ST, install the front drive shaft. < Refer to INSTALLATION , Front Drive Shaft. >
ST 28399SA010 OIL SEAL PROTECTOR
Install the center exhaust pipe.
- Non-turbo model
< Refer to INSTALLATION , Center Exhaust Pipe. >
- Turbo model
< Refer to INSTALLATION , Center Exhaust Pipe. >
Lower the vehicle.
Fill with differential gear oil through the oil level gauge hole. < Refer to DIFFERENTIAL GEAR OIL . >