Rear Axle: 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 battery.
Lift up the vehicle, and then remove the rear wheels.
Lift the crimped section of axle nut.

Fig 1: Lifting Crimped Section Of Axle Nut
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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 parking brake cable from parking brake assembly. Refer to REMOVAL , Parking Brake Assembly (Rear Disc Brake).
Remove the rear ABS wheel speed sensor.

Fig 2: Identifying ABS Wheel Speed Sensor
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Remove the snap pin and nut from the front lateral link.

Fig 3: Identifying Front Lateral Link Snap Pin And Nut
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Using a puller, separate the rear housing and ball joint.

Fig 4: Separating Rear Housing And Ball Joint Using Puller
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Detach the upper arm, trailing link, and rear lateral link from the rear housing.

Fig 5: Locating Upper Arm, Trailing Link And Rear Lateral Link Mounting Nuts
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Remove the rear axle.
NOTE: If it is hard to remove, use the ST.

ST1 926470000 AXLE SHAFT PULLER

ST2 28099PA110 AXLE SHAFT PULLER PLATE

Fig 6: Removing Rear Axle Using ST1 926470000 Axle Shaft Puller And ST2 28099PA110 Axle Shaft Puller Plate
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.