Fuel Tank: Removal

WARNING: Place "NO OPEN FLAMES" signs near the working area.

CAUTION: Be careful not to spill fuel.

Release the fuel pressure. < Refer to RELEASING OF FUEL PRESSURE , PROCEDURE, Fuel. >
Drain fuel. < Refer to DRAINING FUEL (WITH SUBARU SELECT MONITOR) , PROCEDURE, Fuel. >
Disconnect the ground cable from battery.

Fig 1: Connecting/Disconnecting Battery Ground Terminal
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the rear seat cushion. < Refer to REMOVAL , Rear Seat. >
Remove the service hole cover of fuel pump.
1. Disconnect fuel pump connector (A), and remove clip (B).
2. Remove the screw (C).
3. Push the grommet (D) down and remove the service hole cover.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Fuel Pump Connector, Clip, Screw And Grommet
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the service hole cover of fuel sub level sensor.

Fig 3: Locating Fuel Sub Level Sensor Service Hole Cover Screws
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect the quick connector on the fuel delivery tube. < Refer to REMOVAL , Fuel Delivery and Evaporation Lines. >

Fig 4: Locating Fuel Delivery Tube Quick Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the rear wheels.
Lift up the vehicle.
Remove the rear ABS wheel speed sensor from the rear housing.

Fig 5: Locating Rear ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Mounting Bolt
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the rear brake hose bracket from rear housing.

Fig 6: Locating Rear Brake Hose Bracket Mounting Bolt
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the rear disc brake assembly and tie it to the body side of the vehicle.

Fig 7: Identifying Rear Disc Brake Assembly Bolts & Tied To The Body
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the parking brake cable from parking brake assembly. < Refer to REMOVAL , Parking Brake Assembly (Rear Disc Brake). >
Remove the rear exhaust pipe and muffler. < Refer to REMOVAL , Rear Exhaust Pipe. > < Refer to REMOVAL , Muffler. >
Remove the propeller shaft. < Refer to REMOVAL , Propeller Shaft. >
Remove the heat shield cover and fuel tank protector.

Fig 8: Locating Heat Shield Cover And Fuel Tank Protector Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect the connector from the rear ABS wheel speed sensor.

Fig 9: Locating Rear ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Connectors
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the rear suspension assembly.
WARNING: A helper is required to perform this work.
1. Support the rear suspension assembly with a transmission jack.
2. Remove the bolt and nut which secures rear shock absorber to rear suspension arm.
  
  Fig 10: Locating Rear Suspension Arm Nut
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
3. Remove the bolts which secure the rear suspension assembly to the body.
  
  Fig 11: Locating Rear Suspension Assembly Mounting Bolts
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
4. Remove the rear suspension assembly.
Remove the parking brake cable clamp from the body.

Fig 12: Locating Parking Brake Cable Clamp Bolts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect the evaporation hose from the fuel tank.

Fig 13: Locating Fuel Tank Evaporation Hose
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect the fuel filler hose from the fuel filler pipe assembly.

Fig 14: Locating Fuel Filler Hose Clamp
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect the quick connector of the evaporation hose from the evaporation pipe.
NOTE: Disconnect the quick connector as shown in the figure.

Fig 15: Disconnecting Quick Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 16: Locating Quick Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Support the fuel tank with a transmission jack, remove the fuel tank band, and remove the fuel tank from the vehicle.
WARNING:
- A helper is required to perform this work.
- Fuel may remain in the fuel tank. This will cause the left and right sides to be unbalanced. Be careful not to drop the fuel tank.
  
  Fig 17: Locating Fuel Tank Band Bolts
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.