So recently a friend of mine asked if i would do the front axles on his outback. I have done a fair share of axle jobs now but never on a subie that new. Looking on-line it appears they are the style that just pull out of the trans meaning there is no roll pin like the older models. Am i right and are there any issues i should be watching for? Just wanted to know ahead of time so I wont mess up his car haha.

Thanks,

NWSubie

I think there are still roll pins.

 

But as with all 4EAT autos, the stubs will pop out of the trans.

Wish I could tell you for sure, but my '02 still had roll pins, I would imagine newer ones still do. Hopefully someone else can verify.

 

You may already know this, but there are 2 ways to pull the axle; you can pull the strut (mark camber bolt for alignment), or pull the ball-joint. I would suggest that if you're in a rust prone area (like me), don't pull the ball-joint. It can create quite a headache.

 

What replacement axles are you using?

I tried to look at opposed forces.

 

not sure what I'm reading but, 'maybe' manufacturing dates up to Feb 2004 are the 'old style'. I think the door frame card will have manufacturing dates.

 

05 is around the time they started using the new style but - it might depend also on model (auto, manual, H4, H6 etc.)

 

when you get axles - you might need to supply a VIN or manufacturing date.

Well, you guys are right, looks like they got rid of the pins - go figure.

 

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/66-problems-maintenance/19489-front-axle-replacement-super-easy.html

 

Check out post 2 and 10.

They went with a male stub end on the CV axle that pops out of the front diff. If its a manual transmission, you will also need to drain the transmission fluid or be prepared for a gear oil bath when you remove the axle:-p