Fuel Tank: Removal

WARNING:

Place "NO FIRE" signs near the working area.
Be careful not to spill fuel on the floor.

Set the vehicle on a lift.
Release the fuel pressure. < Ref. to , RELEASING OF FUEL PRESSURE , PROCEDURE, Fuel. >
Drain fuel from the fuel tank. < Ref. to , DRAINING FUEL , PROCEDURE, Fuel. >
Remove the rear seat.
Remove the service hole cover from fuel pump.

Fig 1: Removing Service Hole Cover From Fuel Pump
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect the connector from fuel pump.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Connector From Fuel Pump
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the connectors (A) and clips (B).

Fig 3: Removing Connectors And Clips
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the service hole cover from fuel sub level sensor.
1. Remove the bolts (A).
2. Push the grommet (B) down under the body and remove service hole cover.
Fig 4: Removing Service Hole Cover Bolts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect the connector (A) from fuel sub level sensor.
Disconnect the quick connector from the fuel delivery (B) and return hose (C). < Ref. to , REMOVAL , Fuel Delivery, Return and Evaporation Lines. >

Fig 5: Identifying Connectors
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the trunk room trim. (Sedan model) < Ref. to REMOVAL , Trunk Room Trim. >
Remove the rear quarter trim. (Wagon model) < Ref. to WAGON MODEL , REMOVAL, Rear Quarter Trim. >
Remove the pipe protector.

Fig 6: Removing Pipe Protector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the grommet and disconnect the quick connector of evaporation pipe. < Ref. to , REMOVAL , Fuel Delivery, Return and Evaporation Lines. >

Fig 7: Removing Grommet
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the rear wheels.
Remove the bolts which secure the rear brake hose installation bracket.

Fig 8: Removing Rear Brake Hose Bolt
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the rear brake caliper and tie it to the vehicle body side.

Fig 9: Removing Rear Brake Caliper
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the parking brake cable from parking brake assembly. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Parking Brake Assembly (Rear Disc Brake). >
Lift-up the vehicle.
Remove the rear exhaust pipe. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Rear Exhaust Pipe. >
Remove the propeller shaft. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Propeller Shaft. >
Remove the heat shield cover.
Disconnect the connector from rear ABS wheel speed sensor.

Fig 10: Disconnecting Connector From Rear ABS Wheel Speed Sensor
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the bolts which install the parking brake cable clamp.

Fig 11: Removing Parking Brake Cable Clamp Bolt (1 Of 2)
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 12: Removing Parking Brake Cable Clamp Bolt (2 Of 2)
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the rear suspension assembly.
CAUTION: A helper is required to perform this work.
1. Support the rear differential with transmission jack.
2. Remove the bolt which installs the rear shock absorber to rear suspension arm.
  
  Fig 13: Removing Rear Shock Absorber Bolt
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
3. Remove the bolts which secure the rear suspension assembly to body.
  
  Fig 14: Removing rear suspension assembly securing bolt (1 Of 2)
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  Fig 15: Removing rear suspension assembly securing bolt (2 Of 2)
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
4. Remove the rear suspension assembly.
Disconnect the connector.

Fig 16: Disconnecting Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect the evaporation hose.

Fig 17: Disconnecting Evaporation Hose
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect the fuel filler hoses (A) and evaporation hoses (B).

Fig 18: Disconnecting Fuel Filler Hoses And Evaporation Hoses
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Support the fuel tank with transmission jack, remove the bolts from fuel tank bands, and dismount the fuel tank from vehicle.

WARNING: A helper is required to perform this work.

Fig 19: Removing Bolts From Fuel Tank Bands

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.