Front Drive Shaft: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Subaru Baja. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Place alignment marks on shaft and outer race.

Fig 1: Placing Alignment Marks On Shaft And Outer Race
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove inner joint boot band and boot.
CAUTION: Be careful not to damage boot.

Fig 2: Removing Inner Joint Boot Band And Boot
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove circlip from inner joint outer race using screwdriver.

Fig 3: Removing Circlip From Inner Joint Outer Race Using Screwdriver
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Remove inner joint outer race from shaft assembly.
Wipe off grease.
CAUTION: The grease is a special grease. Do not confuse with other greases.
Place alignment mark on free ring and trunnion.

Fig 4: Placing Alignment Mark On Free Ring And Trunnion
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove free ring from trunnion.
CAUTION: Be careful with the free ring position.
Place alignment mark on trunnion and shaft.

Fig 5: Placing Alignment Mark On Trunnion And Shaft
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove snap ring and trunnion.

Fig 6: Removing Snap Ring And Trunnion
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CAUTION: Be careful not to damage boot by wrapping shaft splines with vinyl tape.
Remove inner joint boot.
Place drive shaft in a vise between wooden blocks.
CAUTION: Do not place drive shaft directly in the vise; use wooden block.
Raise boot band claws by means of screwdriver and hammer.

Fig 7: Raising Boot Band Claws
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Cut and remove the boot.
CAUTION: Replace the removed boot with a new one.

Fig 8: Removing Boot
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Thus, disassembly of axle is completed, but outer joint cannot be disassembled.