Fuel Tank: Removal

Set vehicle on the lift.
Release fuel pressure. < Ref. to , RELEASING OF FUEL PRESSURE , OPERATION, Fuel. >
Drain fuel from fuel tank. < Ref. to , DRAINING FUEL , OPERATION, Fuel. >
Remove holder clip which secures fuel tank cord on bracket.

Fig 1: Removing Holder Clip Securing Fuel Tank Cord On Bracket
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect connector of fuel tank cord to rear harness.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Fuel Tank Cord To Rear Harness Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Push grommet which holds fuel tank cord on service hole cover into body side.

Fig 3: Pushing Grommet Holding Fuel Tank Cord On Service Hole Cover
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Using ST, separate quick connector of fuel delivery (A) and return hose (B).< Ref. to , REMOVAL , Fuel Delivery, Return and Evaporation Lines. >
ST 42099AE000 CONNECTOR REMOVER

Fig 4: Separating Fuel Delivery Quick Connector And Return Hose Using Special Tool
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove parking brake cable.
1. Remove console box. REMOVAL , Console Box . >
2. Remove parking brake bracket and disconnect parking brake cable from equalizer. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Parking Brake Cable. >
Remove pipe protector.

Fig 5: Removing Pipe Protector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Using ST, separate quick connector of evaporation pipe. < Ref. to , REMOVAL , Fuel Delivery, Return and Evaporation Lines. >
ST 42099AE000 CONNECTOR REMOVER

Fig 6: Separating Evaporation Pipe Quick Connector Using Special Tool
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove wheel nuts from rear wheels.
Lift-up the vehicle.
Remove rear wheel.
Remove front side fuel tank cover.

Fig 7: Removing Front Side Fuel Tank Cover
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove rear exhaust pipe and muffler.
NOTE: To facilitate removal, apply a coat of SUBARU CRC to matching area of rubber cushions in advance.

SUBARU CRC (Part No. 004301003)
1. Separate rear exhaust pipe and center exhaust pipe.
  
  Fig 8: Separating Rear Exhaust Pipe And Center Exhaust Pipe
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. Remove left and right rubber cushions.
  CAUTION: Be careful not to pull down muffler.
  
  Fig 9: Removing Left And Right Rubber Cushions
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
3. Remove front rubber cushion and detach muffler assembly.
  
  Fig 10: Removing Front Rubber Cushion And Detaching Muffler Assembly
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove propeller shaft. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Propeller Shaft. >
Disconnect connector from ABS sensor.

Fig 11: Disconnecting Connector From ABS Sensor
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove bolts which hold parking brake cable holding bracket.
Remove parking brake cable from cabin by forcibly pulling it backward.

Fig 12: Removing Parking Brake Cable From Cabin
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove bolts which hold parking brake cable holding bracket.

Fig 13: Removing Bolts Holding Parking Brake Cable Bracket
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove bolts which hold rear brake hoses holding bracket.

Fig 14: Removing Bolts Holding Rear Brake Hoses Bracket
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove rear brake caliper, then tie it up to the body side of the vehicle as shown in Fig 15.

Fig 15: Removing Rear Brake Caliper
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove rear suspension assembly.
WARNING: A helper is required to perform this work.
1. Support rear differential with transmission jack.
2. Remove bolt which holds rear shock absorber to rear suspension arm.
  
  Fig 16: Removing Bolt Holding Rear Shock Absorber To Rear Suspension Arm
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
3. Remove bolts which secure rear suspension assembly to body.
  
  Fig 17: Removing Bolts Securing Rear Suspension Assembly To Body
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
4. Remove rear suspension assembly.
Remove rear side fuel tank cover.

Fig 18: Removing Rear Side Fuel Tank Cover
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect fuel filler hose (A) and fuel tank pressure sensor hose (B).

Fig 19: Disconnecting Fuel Filler Hose And Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Hose
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect air vent hose (A) from evaporation pipe assembly and disconnect evaporation hose (B) from pressure control solenoid valve.

Fig 20: Disconnecting Air Vent Hose From Evaporation Pipe Assembly And Evaporation Hose
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Support fuel tank with transmission jack, remove bolts from bands and dismount fuel tank from the vehicle.
WARNING: A helper is required to perform this work.

Fig 21: Supporting Fuel Tank With Transmission Jack
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.