Parts for your 2008 Subaru Exiga-Oil seals

2008 Subaru Exiga oil seals — what they do, where they are, and when to replace them

Oil seals absolutely are fitted to the 2008 Subaru Exiga (YA series). Subaru’s Factory Service Manual for the Exiga (engine, transmission and differential sections via Subaru STIS), along with the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue, list multiple oil seals used throughout the vehicle: crankshaft front and rear main seals, camshaft seals, oil pump seal, automatic transmission and front differential side shaft seals, as well as rear differential pinion and side seals. They’re standard across EJ-series engines and Subaru AWD drivelines of this era, so oil seals are very much relevant for the 2008 Exiga.

On the Exiga, oil seals keep engine and driveline lubricants where they should be, maintain oil pressure, and keep dust and moisture out of critical rotating assemblies. Think of the crank front seal behind the timing cover, the rear main seal at the back of the block, the cam seals at each end of the camshafts, and the axle and pinion seals in the AWD system. When they harden or wear, you’ll see weeping around timing covers, the bellhousing, or at the diff flanges, along with a whiff of burnt oil if it drips onto hot components.

They’re not a routine “every X kilometres” service item, but they should be inspected at every service and replaced if there’s evidence of leakage. Many owners choose preventative replacement of the crank and cam seals during the timing belt service (around the 100,000 km mark on EJ engines), because the front of the engine is already apart. Likewise, rear main and transmission input/output seals are sensibly done when the gearbox is out, and diff side seals when axles are being serviced.

• Common clues an oil seal’s on the way out:
  • Fresh oil spots under the car or a damp timing belt cover
  • Oil misting around axle flanges or bellhousing
  • Burnt oil smell after a drive
  • Top-ups needed between services
• Good servicing tips:
  • Check PCV operation and crankcase ventilation