Parts for your 2010 Subaru Exiga-Struts

2010 Subaru Exiga struts — what they do and when to replace them

Based on technical references including the Subaru Exiga (YA series) workshop manual, the Subaru FAST/Global parts catalogue, and industry data services used in ANZ workshops, the 2010 Subaru Exiga runs MacPherson struts at the front and a separate double‑wishbone setup with shocks at the rear. So yes, struts are absolutely relevant for the front of this model.

On the Exiga, a front strut is a hard‑working combo: it’s the damper and spring in one unit, but it also acts as a structural member that locates the hub and helps control camber as the wheel moves. That’s why healthy struts make such a difference to steering feel, braking stability, and how settled the car feels over rough Kiwi backroads or Aussie B‑roads.

For servicing, a practical rhythm is to have the front struts inspected every 20,000 km or 12 months. There’s no fixed replacement age, but many Exigas will want fresh fronts somewhere between 80,000 and 150,000 km depending on load, road quality, and driving style. When the time comes, swapping them as a left/right pair keeps handling even.

Signs it’s time to sort the fronts on a 2010 Exiga include:

• Oil misting or wetness down the strut body
• Knocks over sharp bumps or a floaty, bouncy ride
• Nose‑dive under brakes or steering shimmy on corrugations
• Uneven or cupped tyre wear despite correct pressure

Good workshop practice on this Subaru is to replace the strut assemblies in pairs, fit new top mounts/bearings, bump stops and dust boots, and inspect the coil springs for cracks or sag. Many technicians will use OE‑quality dampers (KYB is commonly specified by Subaru) and new self‑locking nuts. Because the Exiga uses MacPherson fronts, a wheel alignment is essential afterwards — the strut position affects camber and can nudge toe, so dialling it in protects tyres and keeps the steering sweet.

If doing the job at home, a proper spring compressor is a must and torque specs should be followed from the Subaru workshop manual. After installation, a road test over mixed surfaces helps confirm there’s no top‑mount creak and that rebound control feels right. Look after the front struts on this Exiga and it’ll reward with tidy turn‑in, shorter stopping distances, and a calmer ride for all seven seats.

FAQs

Does the 2010 Subaru Exiga have rear struts?
No. Technical documentation lists a double‑wishbone rear with separate shocks and springs. Only the front end uses MacPherson struts on this model.

How often should front struts be replaced on a 2010 Exiga?
There’s no strict interval. Inspect every 20,000 km or 12 months, and expect replacement somewhere around 80,000–150,000 km depending on roads, loads, and driving. Go by condition and symptoms rather than mileage alone.

Do you need a wheel alignment after front strut replacement?
Yes. On a MacPherson‑strut Subaru like the Exiga, strut position influences camber and toe. A post‑fit alignment protects tyres and restores sharp, predictable handling.