04 STi transmission diff cover removal

AgentJ17 · 10-05-2012, 04:31 PM

Changing the seals on my early 04 STi transmission. I understand the diff covers thread into the case, but I can't move the b*stard. I also understand that these set the lash on the diff, so I am doing one side at a time and have marked the location of the diff cover.

Any tips on how to remove the cover without damaging it? (Further, that is)

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AgentJ17 · 10-05-2012, 05:11 PM

AKA Diff retainer.

Realize I just need a tool to do it. Anyone have success making their own or is the subaru tool cheap enough? I have a feeling I'll hae a tough time tracking one down.

JarHarms · 10-05-2012, 06:44 PM

Subaru name "side retainers" also commonly called sun dials. Marking them is required but also make sure to count the turns as well.
If you are careful you can use a blunt punch on the tabs and tap with a hammer. If you are going to do this I would stick to the thicker tabs since they are less likely to break off. It is better to have the special tool but there are two sizes on the 6MT which I think requires two separate tools. Or you can make a tool from scrap steel and/or an oil filter wrench. Lube the threads and sealing o-rings with oil when going back on, those add quite a bit of turning resistance.

I also suggest if this is an early 2004 with the internal seals (which I suspect) why not convert to the later retainers that you can change the axle seals externally? (i.e. without removing the retainers.)

AgentJ17 · 10-06-2012, 04:41 PM

Yeah, i gathered the bit about counting the turns.
Can't find the part number on either subarugenuineparts or opposedforces for the side retainers, newer or older.

Thanks for the tips!

JarHarms · 10-07-2012, 05:24 PM

There is a thread in here that lists both early and late side retainer and axle seal p/n's. Search around and you will find it. Sometimes you can find used side retainers in the FS threads.

EROCS04SBRUSTI · 10-07-2012, 06:29 PM

exactly I removed them the way explained and replaced the internal seals with a socket tapped in,make sure you count the rotations and mark it also,write it down,you mess that up you have to redial in the backlash.

10-05-2012, 04:31 PM	#1
AgentJ17 Scooby Newbie Member#: 306411 Join Date: Jan 2012 Chapter/Region: VIC Location: Duncan, BC Vehicle: 1995 STi RA White	04 STi transmission diff cover removal Changing the seals on my early 04 STi transmission. I understand the diff covers thread into the case, but I can't move the bstard. I also understand that these set the lash on the diff, so I am doing one side at a time and have marked the location of the diff cover. Any tips on how to remove the cover without damaging it? (Further, that is) Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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10-05-2012, 05:11 PM	#2
AgentJ17 Scooby Newbie Member#: 306411 Join Date: Jan 2012 Chapter/Region: VIC Location: Duncan, BC Vehicle: 1995 STi RA White	AKA Diff retainer. Realize I just need a tool to do it. Anyone have success making their own or is the subaru tool cheap enough? I have a feeling I'll hae a tough time tracking one down.

10-05-2012, 06:44 PM	#3
JarHarms Scooby Specialist Member#: 138994 Join Date: Jan 2007 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: DeKalb-ish, IL Vehicle: 2006 WRX Ltd SGM 6MT and such	Subaru name "side retainers" also commonly called sun dials. Marking them is required but also make sure to count the turns as well. If you are careful you can use a blunt punch on the tabs and tap with a hammer. If you are going to do this I would stick to the thicker tabs since they are less likely to break off. It is better to have the special tool but there are two sizes on the 6MT which I think requires two separate tools. Or you can make a tool from scrap steel and/or an oil filter wrench. Lube the threads and sealing o-rings with oil when going back on, those add quite a bit of turning resistance. I also suggest if this is an early 2004 with the internal seals (which I suspect) why not convert to the later retainers that you can change the axle seals externally? (i.e. without removing the retainers.)

10-06-2012, 04:41 PM	#4
AgentJ17 Scooby Newbie Member#: 306411 Join Date: Jan 2012 Chapter/Region: VIC Location: Duncan, BC Vehicle: 1995 STi RA White	Yeah, i gathered the bit about counting the turns. Can't find the part number on either subarugenuineparts or opposedforces for the side retainers, newer or older. Thanks for the tips!

10-07-2012, 05:24 PM	#5
JarHarms Scooby Specialist Member#: 138994 Join Date: Jan 2007 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: DeKalb-ish, IL Vehicle: 2006 WRX Ltd SGM 6MT and such	There is a thread in here that lists both early and late side retainer and axle seal p/n's. Search around and you will find it. Sometimes you can find used side retainers in the FS threads.

10-07-2012, 06:29 PM	#6
EROCS04SBRUSTI Scooby Specialist Member#: 234397 Join Date: Jan 2010 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Elyria,Ohio Vehicle: 2004 WRX STI WORLD RALLY BLUE	exactly I removed them the way explained and replaced the internal seals with a socket tapped in,make sure you count the rotations and mark it also,write it down,you mess that up you have to redial in the backlash.