Front Drive Shaft: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Subaru Tribeca. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect the ground cable from the battery.
Lift up the vehicle, and remove the front wheels.
Drain the differential gear oil.
Lift the crimped section of axle nut.

Fig 1: Lifting Crimped Section Of Axle Nut
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the axle nut using a socket wrench while depressing the brake pedal.
CAUTION: Remove the wheel before loosening the axle nut. Failure to follow this rule may damage the wheel bearings.
Remove the stabilizer link from front arm.
Disconnect the front arm ball joint from the front housing.

Fig 2: Locating Front Arm Ball Joint Bolt
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the front drive shaft assembly. If it is hard to remove, use ST1 and ST2.
ST1 926470000 AXLE SHAFT PULLER

ST2 28099PA110 AXLE SHAFT PULLER PLATE

Fig 3: Identifying Axle Shaft Puller And Axle Shaft Puller Plate
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Using a bar, remove the front drive shaft from transmission.
CAUTION: Be careful not to allow the bar to damage holder area.