Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Front Drive Shaft: Installation
- Before installation, check the drive shaft. Refer to INSPECTION .
- Replace the differential side retainer oil seal with a new part.
- 6MT model: Refer to REPLACEMENT .
- 5AT model: Refer to REPLACEMENT .
- CVT model: Refer to REPLACEMENT .
NOTE: After pulling out the drive shaft, be sure to replace with a new oil seal. - Insert the drive shaft into the hub spline, and pull in the drive shaft into specified position.CAUTION: Do not hammer drive shaft when installing it.
- Tighten the axle nut temporarily.
- Using the ST, install the front drive shaft to transmission.
Preparation tool:
ST: OIL SEAL PROTECTOR (28399SA010)
- Install the front arm ball joint to the front axle housing.CAUTION:
- Before tightening, make sure the lower side of front axle housing and stepped section of ball joint are in contact.
- Be careful not to damage the boot of the joint.
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Tightening torque:
50 N.m (5.1 kgf-m, 36.9 ft-lb)
- Install the stabilizer link.CAUTION: Use a new flange nut.
Tightening torque:
60 N.m (6.12 kgf-m, 44.3 ft-lb)
- While pressing the brake pedal, tighten the new axle nuts to the specified torque.CAUTION: Do not load the front axle before tightening the axle nut. Doing so may damage the hub bearing.
Tightening torque:
220 N.m (22.43 kgf-m, 162.3 ft-lb)
- After tightening axle nut, lock it securely.
- Fill transmission gear oil. (MT model)
- Fill differential gear oil. (AT and CVT models)
- Install the front wheels.
Tightening torque:
120 N.m (12.24 kgf-m, 88.5 ft-lb)
- Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust if necessary.
- Inspection: Refer to INSPECTION .
- Adjustment: Refer to ADJUSTMENT .
NO RELATED
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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.