02 WRX drop diff to access lateral link bolts
 

I need to replace the rear lateral links/control arms on my 02 wrx. There is not enough room for me to get a socket on the nut and was wondering if the diff can be lowered safely with the axles and propeller shaft in tact?

I've tried using a spanner but im just damaging the nut.

Im a bit hesitant to take the diff off (pull the drive shafts out more specifically) as im not sure whats required (gaskets/seals etc.) when putting it back on.

Any suggestions appreciated.

You should mot need to drop the diff to change the links....better to get some quality spanners.

You're doing it the hard way.
Remove the outer (long) bolt from the two links, unclip the CV shaft (just pop it out of the diff) then you can easily remove the inner bolts. The only care you need is when slipping the joint out and back into the diff not to dislodge the spring on the seal. Just be careful and all will be good. No gaskets, no resetting of anything except the rear toe in/out.

Ok, ill remove the cv joints to get access to the bolts. On second inspection dropping the diff is more involved than I originally thought.

Thanks for your help.

RE: spanners, i got kinchrome 16mm and it doesn't fit whereas the 16mm socket fits perfectly... why?

There are no 16mm nuts or bolts anywhere on a Subaru.

dt, do i need to replace the c-clip on the end of the axle? How do i make sure i dont damage the seal when im putting it back in?

I could swear it was a 16mm, gonna check tomorrow.

No, there's no need to renew the clips. The inside diameter of the seal is larger than the spline, the clip and the bearing surface so as long as you put the shaft back in straight there will be no damage. If you do it yourself you need one hand to hold the hub outwards and the other hand to hold the inner CV joint straight and level as you slide it through the seal and bearing. Easiest way would be have a helper hold the hub out so you can use both hands to guide the CV in carefully as the helper slowly lets the hub swing back in towards the car.

Thanks for your help. The links are in. I checked and the bolts/nuts and they were definitely 16mm (at least the number 16 socket fit on nice and tight). There are also another 6x 16mm bolts that hold the u-bar in place.

All I do is fix Subarus and my 16mm socket is still brand new so I can only see two possibilities.

1/ yours is wrongly labelled.

2/ Someone has changed the bolts in your car for some generic 'Bunnings' bolts.:eek:

What is this U-bar you speak of? Aftermarket brace of some sort? If so it may have come with new hardware perhaps?

U-Bar or sub-frame
 

From the 2001-2002 WRX manual.

This is the the U-bar I am referring to. The bolts/nuts look original to me. Heavy duty. I'll measure tomorrow because i bought a 16mm spanner and i couldnt use it so it will be interesting to see.

RE: putting shafts back in. I aligned and pushed them in to the point where I felt something is blocking them which leaves about a 4-5mm gap. I simply push the hub and they popped in without any problems.