Parts for your 2009 Subaru Forester-Driveshafts

2009 Subaru Forester driveshafts: what they do and how to look after them

Yes, the 2009 Subaru Forester absolutely uses driveshafts. Technical sources including the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the SH-series Forester (Driveline/Propeller Shaft and Front/Rear Axle sections) and Subaru’s parts catalog for SH5/SH9 list a central propeller shaft (often simply called the driveshaft) running from the transmission to the rear differential, plus four CV-type driveshafts (front and rear axle shafts) that deliver torque to each wheel. Independent repair manuals covering 2009 Forester models back this up with inspection and service procedures for both the prop shaft and the CV shafts.

On this all-wheel-drive Forester, the long propeller shaft carries power down the centre of the car to the rear diff, while the CV driveshafts at each corner handle final delivery to the wheels. Together they’re the backbone of Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD, giving that planted, sure-footed feel in the wet, on gravel, and over long country kilometres.

Servicing the driveshafts is mostly about smart inspection. At regular services, it pays to:

• Check CV boots for splits or grease spray near the hubs and inner joints.
• Listen for clicking on tight turns (front CV joints) and feel for vibration or shudder on take-off or at highway speeds (prop shaft U-joints or centre support bearing).
• Look for play at the propeller shaft universal joints and the rubber-mounted centre bearing.
• Inspect for oil leaks at the trans and diff output seals that can contaminate joints and boots.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, it’s condition-based. Torn boots should be addressed quickly to avoid joint wear. If a CV joint’s noisy or loose, replacing the shaft assembly is usually the most time- and cost-effective fix. For the propeller shaft, many SH Foresters use non-serviceable staked U-joints—if a joint is worn, the complete shaft assembly or a professionally rebuilt unit is the go. Always mark the shaft’s orientation before removal to preserve balance, and torque fasteners to factory spec on reassembly.

Quality parts matter. OE or reputable aftermarket shafts and boots, fresh diff/trans seals when needed, and correct grease for CV joints keep the driveline quiet and smooth. Rotate tyres regularly and keep pressures even—balanced rolling diameters reduce driveline wind-up and stress on the driveshafts.

Popular questions

Does the 2009 Subaru Forester have a driveshaft?
It does. The SH Forester uses a central propeller shaft between the transmission and rear differential, plus four CV driveshafts to each wheel. This layout is described in the Subaru Factory Service Manual’s Driveline sections and shown in Subaru’s parts listings for the 2009 model.

How often should the driveshafts be serviced?
There’s no set replacement interval. Inspect the CV boots and joints, prop shaft U-joints, and centre support bearing at each service or at least every 10,000–15,000 km. Replace torn boots promptly and address any vibration, clunks, or clicking without delay to prevent bigger repairs.

What are common signs the driveshafts need attention?
Grease flung around a wheel or underbody, clicking on full lock, vibration under load or at motorway speeds, shudder on take-off, and clunks when shifting from drive to reverse are all classic signs. Any of these on a 2009 Forester warrant a proper driveline check.