l wanted to no if this was an easy fix or if l would need to take it to the shop

Take it to a shop. In order to replace an axle seal on the rear axle, the axle shafts have to be removed which requires removing the brakes, draining the dif fluid & disassembaling the differential. Disassembly requires removing the c-clip & possible the carrier & shims. Once u reassemble the axle, u will have to reset the backlash of the differential (tension between the ring gear & the pinion) & this requires a dial indicator. You will need working knowledge of the inner workings of ur axle before u tear into it.

If this is on a front whell drive axle assembly, you're really screwed.

The best thing to do is take it to a driveline shop that specializes in import vehicles, front wheel/all wheel drive, & independent suspensions.

It is best to replace the axle. Dirt can get into the axle & damage it & furthermore it is been running without grease. Your taking everything apart so why not put a new axle in there.

Replacing an front axle shaft on a Subaru is one of the easiest of cars to do. It took about 25 min to replace the left front axle on my '96 Subaru Legacy AWD wagon. The differential does not need to be disassembled/drained contrary to what the above poster wrote. However bring it to a garage if u do not feel comfortable taking ur front end apart or do not have the right tools. Keep in mind many garages around the country r not that familiar with Subaru is unless if u live here in the northeast so u may be overcharged.