Parts for your 2008 Subaru Exiga-Cv boots

2008 Subaru Exiga CV boots: what they do and when to replace them

Drawing on the Subaru Exiga (YA) Service Manual’s Drive Shaft System section, the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue for YA-series Exiga, and STIS workshop diagrams, the 2008 Subaru Exiga is definitely fitted with constant velocity (CV) boots. All variants have front CV boots, AWD models also have rear axle CV boots. So yes, CV boots are relevant to this model.

On a 2008 Exiga, the CV boots are the flexible rubber covers that seal in grease and keep out water and grit for the CV joints on the driveshafts. Up front, the Exiga uses an outer bell joint (BJ) and an inner double offset joint (DOJ), each protected by a boot and clamps. AWD versions mirror this setup out back on the rear half-shafts. When the boots stay intact, the joints remain smooth and quiet, once a boot splits, grease flings out, water sneaks in, and the joint can start clicking on turns or shuddering under load.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, it’s a “replace on condition” item. A good workshop will inspect the boots every service—think each oil change or roughly every 10,000–15,000 km—checking for cracks, weeping grease, loose clamps, or perishing from heat (rear boots near the exhaust cop it harder). Catching a torn boot early usually means a boot kit and fresh moly grease, which is far cheaper than a whole driveshaft or CV joint.

• Tell-tale signs: grease sprayed on the inside of the wheel or under the guard, a clicking noise on turns, vibration under acceleration, or a damp-looking boot.
• Best practice repair: remove the shaft, clean the joint, pack with the correct MoS2 CV grease, fit a quality OE-style boot with stainless clamps, and torque fasteners and axle nut to factory spec (per Subaru workshop data).
• Preventative tips: avoid torn inner guards that let stones in, wash off road grime after beach or gravel trips, and have the rear boots checked during WOF/rego or alignment visits.

Quality matters. Genuine or reputable aftermarket boots made from proper elastomers last longer, especially in Aussie and Kiwi heat. Split “emergency” boots can get you by, but a proper boot with the axle out is the tidy, long-term fix. If the joint’s already noisy or pitted, replacing the shaft or joint is the smarter move to keep the Exiga driving smoothly.

Do all 2008 Exiga models have CV boots front and rear?

Every 2008 Exiga has CV boots on the front driveshafts. AWD variants also have CV boots on the rear axles. FWD-only versions (where supplied) won’t have rear axle boots. This layout is documented in the Subaru Exiga YA Service Manual and reflected in the Subaru FAST parts catalogue listings.

How often should CV boots be replaced?

There isn’t a set kilometre interval. They’re inspected at each service and replaced when cracked, leaking, or perished. With regular checks—about every 10,000–15,000 km—most owners catch issues early and only need a boot kit and fresh grease rather than a full driveshaft.

Can a split boot be fixed without removing the driveshaft?

Split boot kits exist and can be a short-term solution. For a durable, factory-level repair, removing the shaft, cleaning the joint, and fitting an OE-style boot with new grease and clamps is the way to go. If the joint’s already clicking, replacing the joint or shaft is usually more cost-effective.