Subaru Impreza 2003 Service Manual page 3232

EXTERIOR BODY PANELS
9. Rear Gate Panel
A: REMOVAL
1. REAR GATE PANEL
1) Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
2) Open the rear gate.
3) Remove the rear gate outer handle. <Ref. to SL-
30, REMOVAL, Rear Gate Outer Handle.>
4) Remove the rear gate latch assembly. <Ref. to
SL-31, REMOVAL, Rear Gate Latch Assembly.>
5) Remove the rear wiper. <Ref. to WW-17, RE-
MOVAL, Rear Wiper Motor.>
6) Disconnect the connectors of rear wiper, rear
defogger and other lighting devices.
7) Disconnect the washer hose.
8) Remove the rubber duct (A) connection, and
then pull out the harness and washer hose from
rear gate.
9) Using a support, support the rear gate while re-
moving the rear gate damper stay mounting bolts.
REAR GATE PANEL
(A)
EB-00020
EB-00021
EB-00129
EB-22
CAUTION:
When the rear gate is released, it may hit and
damage the body. To prevent this, place a shop
cloth between the body and gate.
10) Loosen the rear gate bolts to remove rear gate.
2. REAR GATE DAMPER STAY
1) Open the rear gate. Use a jack to support the
rear gate.
NOTE:
After the rear gate damper stay is removed, the
rear gate cannot stay open. Supporting the rear
gate with a jack, remove the bolts.
CAUTION:
• Do not damage the piston rods and oil seals.
• Never disassemble the cylinders: They con-
tain gas.
EB-00023
EB-00021