2012 Subaru Outback LimitedFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Front Differential Assembly: Removal

  1. Remove the transmission assembly from the vehicle. Refer to , REMOVAL , Automatic Transmission Assembly.
  2. Remove the air breather hose. Refer to , REMOVAL , Air Breather Hose.
  3. Remove the oil pan and control valve body. Refer to , REMOVAL , Control Valve Body.
  4. Remove the transmission harness. Refer to , REMOVAL , Transmission Harness.
  5. Remove the extension case. Refer to , REMOVAL , Extension Case.
  6. Remove the rear drive shaft. Refer to , REMOVAL , Rear Drive Shaft.
  7. Remove the transfer clutch assembly. Refer to , REMOVAL , Transfer Clutch.
  8. Remove the transfer reduction driven gear assembly. Refer to , REMOVAL , Transfer Reduction Driven Gear.
  9. Remove the intermediate case. Refer to , REMOVAL , Intermediate Case.
  10. Remove the forward clutch assembly. Refer to , REMOVAL , Forward Clutch Assembly.
  11. Remove the transmission case. Refer to , REMOVAL , Transmission Case.
  12. Remove the primary pulley, secondary pulley and variator chain. Refer to , REMOVAL , Primary Pulley and Secondary Pulley.
  13. Remove the drive pinion shaft assembly. Refer to , REMOVAL , Drive Pinion Shaft Assembly.
  14. Remove the lock plates on both sides.
    Fig 1: Identifying Lock Plate
    G07913653Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  15. Remove the differential side retainers using ST.

    ST 18658AA020 WRENCH COMPL RETAINER

    NOTE:
    • Support the differential case assembly by hand to avoid damaging the retainer mounting hole of the converter case.
    • When keeping the retainers aside, use labels etc. to avoid confusing the left and right.
      Fig 2: Identifying Differential Side Retainers With Wrench Compl Retainer
      G06654708Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  16. Remove the front differential assembly while being careful not to damage the attachment part of the retainer.
  17. Remove the oil seals and O-rings from both differential side retainers. Refer to , SIDE RETAINER , DISASSEMBLY, Front Differential Assembly.
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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