Rear Drive Shaft: Disassembly

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.

Straighten the bent claw at the larger end of the DOJ boot.
Loosen the band by means of screwdriver or pliers.
CAUTION: Be careful not to damage the boot.

Fig 1: Loosening Band
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the boot band on the small end of DOJ boot in the same manner.
Remove the larger end of DOJ boot from DOJ outer race.
Pry and remove the circlip at the neck of DOJ outer race with a screwdriver.

Fig 2: Removing/Installing Circlip In Groove Of DOJ Outer Race
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Take out the DOJ outer race from the shaft assembly.
Wipe off the grease and take out the ball bearings.
CAUTION: The grease is a special grease (grease for constant velocity joints). Do not mix with other greases.

NOTE: Disassemble exercising care not to lose balls (6 pcs).

Fig 3: Identifying Ball Bearing Grease Area
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
To remove the cage from inner race, turn the cage by a half pitch to the track groove of inner race and shift the cage.
Using pliers, remove the snap ring fixing the inner race to the shaft.
Take out the DOJ inner race.
Take off the DOJ cage from shaft and remove the DOJ boot.
CAUTION: Be sure to wrap shaft splines with vinyl tape to prevent boot from scratches.

NOTE: The EBJ is a non-disassembly part, so the drive shaft disassembly stops here.