Differential Side Retainer Oil Seal: Replacement

Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
Lift up the vehicle.
Remove the front exhaust pipe. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Front Exhaust Pipe. >
Drain the differential gear oil by removing drain plug using TORX® bit T70.
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.
Fig 1: Identifying Drain Plug And Oil Pan
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Tighten the drain plug.
NOTE: Use a new gasket.

Tightening torque:

70 N.m (7.1 kgf-m, 51.6 ft-lb)
Separate the front drive shaft from the transmission. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Front Drive Shaft. >
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 plastic hammer.
NOTE:
- Use a new oil seal.
- Apply differential gear oil to the oil seal lip.
- Check the identification marks (L, R) during installation not to mix up the oil seal RH and LH.
ST 18675AA000 DIFFERENTIAL SIDE OIL SEAL INSTALLER

Fig 2: Installing Oil Seal Using Differential Side Oil Seal Installer
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Install the front drive shaft. < Ref. to INSTALLATION , Front Drive Shaft. >
Install the front exhaust pipe. < Ref. to INSTALLATION , Front Exhaust Pipe. >
Lower the vehicle.
Connect the battery ground terminal.
Pour differential gear oil into the level gauge hole. < Ref. to DIFFERENTIAL GEAR OIL . >
Check the level of differential gear oil. < Ref. to INSPECTION , Differential Gear Oil. >