You can remove the axles from a Subaru Impreza WXR to rebuild the CV joints or replace the entire half shaft or axle. Replacement half shafts include the inner and outer CV joints as well the axle shaft itself, and they can be purchased from most auto parts stores or the Subaru dealership. You can rebuild or replace the CV joints as well, but the job requires special tools and technical information not available to most home mechanics.
Raise the front of the car with a jack and support it on a set of jack stands positioned under the frame. Remove the tires from the car using a lug wrench to remove the lug nuts then slide the wheel off the wheel studs. Place the transmission of the car in neutral.
Locate the mounting bolts for the brake caliper and remove them with a wrench or socket and ratchet. Remove the caliper from the mounting bracket and support it with a piece of wire from the body or suspension. Remove the brake rotor by pulling it off the wheel studs and set it aside.
Remove the retaining clip from the end of the axle shaft where it extends through the hub. Remove the axle nut from the axle with a socket and ratchet. Set the retaining clip and the nut in a safe place for use later.
Locate the lower ball joint just inside the hub and steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball stud with pliers then remove the nut using a socket and ratchet.
Separate the ball joint from the lower A arm using a ball joint separator. Several styles of separators are available so follow the directions that come with the one you prefer. If you don't have a ball joint separator, you can rent one from most auto parts stores.
Locate the double split pins on the inside of the axle where it meets the transmission. You may need to turn the axle until you see a round hole with two pins in it. There is one pin seated inside another pin, and they can be driven out with a hammer and punch.
Pull the bottom of the steering knuckle out and slide the splined section of the axle out of the hub. Pull the axle off of the transmission and remove it from the car.
