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, excess crankcase pressure can push past new seals
  • Use quality OEM-spec seals and install to the specified depth and orientation from the Subaru service manual
  • Lightly oil the seal lip on install, inspect the seal journal for grooves, and torque related fasteners to spec

Look after the Exiga’s oil seals and the engine and AWD driveline stay tidy, oil-tight and happy for the long haul.

Popular questions about 2008 Subaru Exiga oil seals

Where are the main oil seals on a 2008 Exiga?
The key engine seals are the crankshaft front seal (behind the timing covers), the rear main seal (between engine and transmission) and the camshaft end seals. In the driveline, you’ll find axle/output shaft seals on the transmission/front diff, plus side and pinion seals on the rear differential. Each plays a role in keeping engine, ATF and gear oil where it belongs.

Do oil seals have a set replacement interval?
No fixed interval. Subaru service literature treats seals as “inspect and replace if leaking.” Many workshops recommend doing the crank and cam seals when the timing belt is replaced on EJ engines, and tackling gearbox and diff seals during related removal or axle work. Regular inspections under the bonnet and underbody are key.

Is it safe to drive with a small oil seal leak?
Short-term, small weeps may be manageable with close fluid-level checks. But leaks can worsen, contaminate the timing belt, drip onto hot exhaust components, or lower engine/gearbox oil levels. For safety and longevity, plan a repair sooner rather than later.