Write up (tutorial) on replacing front axle? (93 legacy)

[Herm99]

I searched the forum and found alot of misc threads with axle replacement, but didnt find an actual write up which surprised me. I have replaced quite a few axles in my day, mostly on audi's.

Can someone tell me a brief run down of it? Is it similar to audi, basically break the axle bolt loose, remove wheel, remove pinch bolt on control arm..etc etc??? Anything different about my legacy I should know??

(oh and HI!, new to the forum, but this is actually my 2nd legacy, had a wagon years ago. Just picked up this fwd sedan for my daily driver, my other car is a 2000 Audi S4, just sold my 88 90 Quattro) So Hi, and thanks!

[vrg3]

Off the top of my head:

1) Place the transmission in reverse (if it's a manual) or park (if it's an automatic) and firmly set the handbrake.
2) Chock the rear wheels.
3) Go to the relevant wheel and pop off the hub cap (if it's a steel wheel) or center cap (if it's an alloy wheel).
4) Use a chisel and a hammer to unstake the axle nut behind the cap.
5) Use a 32mm socket to slightly loosen the axle nut.
6) Use a 19mm socket to slightly loosen each of the lug nuts.
7) Jack up the front of the car and secure it on jackstands.
8) Remove the lug nuts and remove the wheel.
9) Rotate the other wheel until the narrow side of the spring pin hole is easily accessible on the inboard end of the axle that needs to be replaced.
10) Use a 3/16" flat-nosed punch to drive the spring pin out.
11) Use roommate's nail polish to mark the position of the upper strut-to-hub bolt so you can line it up right on reassembly.
12) Use a 19mm socket and a 19mm wrench to loosen the lower strut-to-hub bolt and remove the upper strut-to-hub bolt.
13) Tilt the hub as you pull the axle out of the transmission and the hub.
14) Installation is the reverse of removal.

[vrg3]

Oh, and welcome!

[Herm99]

awesome, thank you! these cars are soooo much easier to work on then audi's...a nice change of pace. Thanks again!

[vrg3]

Oh, yeah, Subarus, especially ours, are a downright pleasure to work on compared to most cars.

I don't know of any cars from the same era or newer that are easier.

[mike270]

Off the top of my head:
...
11) Use roommate's nail polish to mark the position of the upper strut-to-hub bolt so you can line it up right on reassembly.
12) Use a 19mm socket and a 19mm wrench to loosen the lower strut-to-hub bolt and remove the upper strut-to-hub bolt.
13) Tilt the hub as you pull the axle out of the transmission and the hub.
...

You can avoid messing with your alignment by just disconnecting the front sway bar link and popping the ball joint out of the bottom. That gives you the play needed to pull the hub assembly out to get the axle in without changing the alignment.

[vrg3]

I find it easier and quicker to just pop that bolt out, because I've had to fight really hard to separate ball joints, but that's just my preference.

[Canadian Turbo]

just sold my 88 90 Quattro) So Hi, and thanks!

I don't care if you have a 200 S4, you sold a 1988 Quattro!!!
Haven't you seen this??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vky1uh_kCf0

I'm sorry I don't like you, unless of course it was automatic, then you're forgiven.