First allow me to thank you for your brilliant article on legacy cv boot replacement.
I have a 2006 Outback (Australian) with an almost identical drive setup. I was, however, unable to free the stub axle from the hub and proceeded as follows.
1) Remove the steering knuckle from the hub being careful not to upset the adjustment. This allows more movement in the hub assy.
2) Remove the boot clamps and push the boot towards the outer end.
3) Remove the wire clip from the basket.
You can now remove the shaft from the inner basket.
4) Remove the circlip and yoke from the shaft and lever the basket out of the gear box. Plug the hole with a bit of clean rag to stop oil leakage.
5) Remove the old boot and fit the new one.
6) After cleaning everything, fill the basket with new grease, adding some to the yoke and bearings and then reassemble.
N.b. The right hand side was a bit more difficult due to the exhaust pipe but the job was done without disturbing the wheel nuts.
P.S. I am 73 years old so I'm sure you young blades could knock this over in no time.
Once again many thanks for your helpful article.
John Sharples
