Front Drive Shaft: Removal

Lift up the vehicle, and then remove the front wheels.
Remove the axle nut.
CAUTION: Do not loosen the axle nut while the front axle is loaded. Doing so may damage the hub bearing.
1. Lift the crimped section of axle nut.
2. Remove the axle nut using a socket wrench while depressing the brake pedal.
  
  Fig 1: Removing Axle Nut Using Socket Wrench
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Drain the transmission gear oil. (MT model)
Drain differential gear oil. (AT and CVT models)
Remove the front arm.
1. Remove the nut and disconnect the front stabilizer link.
2. Remove the bolt, and disconnect the front arm ball joint from the front axle housing.
Fig 2: Locating Front Stabilizer Link Nut
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the front drive shaft assembly. If it is hard to remove, use the ST.
PREPARATION TOOL:

ST1: AXLE SHAFT PULLER (926470000)

ST2: AXLE SHAFT PULLER PLATE (28099PA110)

Fig 3: Removing Front Drive Shaft Assembly From Hub
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Using a bar, remove the front drive shaft from transmission.
CAUTION: Be careful not to allow the bar to damage holder area.