bnhcooper

I've done some searching and I seem to be finding conflicting stuff, so I wanted to ask my question directly. The inner CV boot on my wife's 99 Forester has cracked and is flinging grease, which I've read is common. I replaced the CV boot on my Jeep in less than an hour, but it seems to be more complicated on this. I've read that I need to remove the entire axle, or that there is a way to simply remove the inner part from the front diff. If so, can somebody detail it out as to how I can replace this? Do I have to disassemble the joint to slip the new boot on? Or is it just easier to get a new axle? If so, can somebody break down for me how to replace the half-shaft so I don't miss anything that isn't straightforward? Thanks!

Don't have an owner's manual yet. The dealer is supposed to ship me one, but that might take awhile. Thanks for the info. As for the diff type, I'm just curious as to whether it's a viscous or some form of LSD. Sorry to bug you guys with questions like these. I can do a ground up rebuild on a third gen camaro, but I've never played with an asian vehicle.

ok, I found the EJ25 on the block, and it's an OBDII DOHC. There is no sticker on the rear diff, and no markings to indicate what type of diff it is. I also can't seem to find the dipstick for the front differential.

Sorry for some more new guy questions. Thanks to those that responded to my first thread. Still trying to figure what that connection on the tranny is that's leaking. But my question for this thread relates to finding out what engine/tranny/diffs are actually in/under my wife's car. It's a '99 Forester with a 2.5L DOHC, Automatic. But I'm reading that it shouldn't be a DOHC in '99. So is it a Phase I, in which I should have concerns, or is it Phase II? And where on the tranny and diffs can I find codes to determine what model and type they are, and when I get the codes where can I look them up? Thanks for the help, I've been trying to search but just can't seem to find the answers very clearly.

Thanks for the replies, esp. nomad327 -- that's a lot of helpful info. Anybody else, feel free to keep it coming. Has anyone had/dealt with the leaking o-ring I'm talking about though?

I recently purchased a 99 Forester L for my wife, with the 2.5L and Auto Trans. Coming from a domestic car upbringing, Subaru mechanics are new to me. For starters, there is an electrical connection on the drivers side top of the trans that is leaking. The mechanic at the dealer said this was common, and is from an o-ring. Anyone know a part number for that o-ring? I can't seem to find it at any parts store, so I'm sure I'll have to go to the dealer for it. Also, what kind of things do I need to be looking out for on a Subaru with 93K miles? I'll be going over the car front to back soon, replacing all filters and fluids just to be safe. Also, I was planning on replacing the timing belt and water pump at 100K or so just out of habit, and would love any advice in that area. Thanks for any feedback for a new guy.