Front Drive Shaft: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Subaru Outback and 2012 Subaru Legacy. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Before installation, check the drive shaft. Refer to INSPECTION , Front Drive Shaft.
Replace the differential side retainer oil seal with a new part.
- 6MT model: Refer to DIFFERENTIAL SIDE RETAINER OIL SEAL .
- 5AT model: Refer to DIFFERENTIAL SIDE RETAINER OIL SEAL .
- CVT model: Refer to DIFFERENTIAL SIDE RETAINER OIL SEAL .
NOTE: After pulling out the drive shaft, be sure to replace with a new oil seal.
Insert the drive shaft into the hub spline, and pull in the drive shaft into specified position.
CAUTION: Do not hammer drive shaft when installing it.
Tighten the axle nut temporarily.
Using the ST, install the front drive shaft to transmission.
PREPARATION TOOL:

ST: OIL SEAL PROTECTOR (28399SA010)

Fig 1: Installing Front Drive Shaft To Transmission
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Install the front arm ball joint to the front axle housing.
CAUTION: Before tightening, make sure the lower side of front axle housing and stepped section of ball joint are in contact.

Fig 2: Identifying Front Arm Ball Joint To Front Axle Housing
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Tightening torque:

50 N.m (5.1 kgf-m, 36.9 ft-lb)
Install the stabilizer link.
CAUTION: Use a new flange nut.

Tightening torque:

60 N.m (6.12 kgf-m, 44.3 ft-lb)
While pressing the brake pedal, tighten the new axle nuts to the specified torque.
CAUTION: Do not load the front axle before tightening the axle nut. Doing so may damage the hub bearing.

Tightening torque:

220 N.m (22.43 kgf-m, 162.3 ft-lb)
After tightening axle nut, lock it securely.
Fill transmission gear oil. (MT model)
Fill differential gear oil. (AT and CVT models)
Install the front wheels.
Tightening torque:

120 N.m (12.24 kgf-m, 88.5 ft-lb)
Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust if necessary.