Parts for your 2010 Subaru Exiga-Coil springs

2010 Subaru Exiga coil springs — purpose, care and replacement

Technical sources confirm coil springs are absolutely relevant to the 2010 Subaru Exiga (YA series). The Subaru workshop manual for the YA Exiga specifies a MacPherson strut with a coil spring up front and a double wishbone rear with a separate coil spring. Subaru’s global parts catalogue (FAST) also lists front and rear coil spring part numbers for the 2010 Exiga variants, confirming fitment on this model.

On the 2010 Exiga, coil springs carry the vehicle’s weight, set ride height and work with the shocks/struts to soak up bumps. They keep the seven-seater planted and comfortable, especially with a full load of passengers. Healthy springs help the Exiga steer cleanly, brake predictably and keep tyres wearing evenly. Because they’re constantly cycled and can see salt air and rough roads across Australia and New Zealand, springs can fatigue, sag or corrode over time.

There’s no fixed replacement interval for coil springs, but routine checks during service are a smart move. A technician should look for chipped paint and rust, pitting, cracked coils, broken pigtails, and any sign of the car sitting lower on one corner. Common clues include a knock over speed humps, uneven ride height, nose-diving, bottoming out, floaty handling or cupped tyre wear. If one spring is gone, replace springs in axle pairs to maintain balance.

When it’s time to replace, quality matters. Choose springs that match the exact Exiga variant (engine, trim and intended load), as spring rates differ. In many cases, pairing new springs with fresh struts/shocks and top mounts restores the Exiga’s original ride and control. Always use a proper spring compressor and never heat a coil to adjust height. Refit rubber insulators, check bump stops, and torque suspension bolts at normal ride height to avoid bush preload.

After any spring or strut work, a four-wheel alignment is recommended to protect tyres and keep the Exiga tracking straight. Given our local conditions—coastal air, corrugations, and the odd gravel shortcut—an annual suspension inspection or every 20,000 km is good practice. Owners who tow or regularly carry the whole crew might consider heavy-duty options, but shouldn’t chase extreme lowering that can compromise clearance and ride comfort in Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

• Inspect springs and mounts every 20,000 km or annually
• Replace in pairs on the same axle
• Get a wheel alignment after suspension work

FAQs

How can someone tell if the 2010 Subaru Exiga’s coil springs need replacing?
Look for a drooping corner, clunks over bumps, scraping or bottoming out, and uneven or cupped tyre wear. If the ride feels bouncy or the car dives and squats more than usual, have a technician check for cracks, broken ends and corrosion.

Do shocks/struts need to be replaced with the coil springs?
Not always, but it’s often cost-effective. Tired dampers will let even new springs feel floaty. If the struts or shocks are leaking, noisy or have high kilometres, replacing them with the springs can restore proper ride and handling.

Is a wheel alignment required after coil spring replacement?
Yes. Ride height changes and disturbed suspension bolts can shift alignment. A post-repair alignment helps protect tyres and ensures the Exiga steers straight and feels settled.