Parts for your 2011 Subaru Exiga-Centre bearing

Centre Bearing on the 2011 Subaru Exiga: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the 2011 Subaru Exiga, many owners wonder if their vehicle is fitted with a centre bearing and what role it plays if it is there. After checking technical sources and Subaru's drivetrain design for this model, it turns out that the 2011 Exiga does not use a centre bearing in its drivetrain setup. But why is that the case? Let's break it down.

The centre bearing is commonly found on vehicles with a two-piece driveshaft or a long driveshaft assembly. It acts as a support bearing mounted on the chassis that holds the driveshaft in place and prevents vibration by supporting the shaft where it would otherwise be too long to span without flex. This component is crucial on rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive setups with longitudinal engine layouts where the distance between the transmission and the rear differential is significant.

Now, with the 2011 Subaru Exiga, it is a bit different. The Exiga is equipped with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and typically uses a shorter, segmented driveshaft layout that does not require a centre bearing to support the shaft. The drivetrain is designed such that either the driveshaft length is manageable without compromising rigidity, or it uses a more compact design where the shaft joints themselves accommodate articulation and movement without the need for a dedicated bearing in the middle. Essentially, the Subaru Exiga's use of constant velocity (CV) joints allows for smooth power delivery without requiring a centre bearing.

Because of this, when you open up service manuals and parts catalogues for the 2011 Subaru Exiga, you won't find a centre bearing listed as a replacement part or mentioned in the drivetrain servicing schedules. Everything about the Exiga's rear and front axle shafts revolves around CV joints and constant velocity shafts which are designed to deliver power efficiently and smoothly at variable angles and lengths.

So, what does this mean for your maintenance and servicing of the drivetrain? Since there is no centre bearing, you don't have to worry about the wear and tear that comes with it. Instead, focus should be given to the CV joints and the condition of the driveshaft boots. These boots protect the joints from dirt, debris, and moisture. If these boots get damaged or worn, it could lead to joint wear and vibrations or noises during driving.

That said, in vehicles that are fitted with a centre bearing, it is an important component to keep an eye on because failure can cause significant vibration issues or even damage to the driveshaft. Replacing a centre bearing usually involves removing the driveshaft, replacing the worn bearing, and ensuring proper alignment and balancing to prevent further problems. Bearings can fail due to worn seals, contamination, or simple age-related wear, giving rise to squeaks, clunks, or vibrations at higher speeds.

Even though the Exiga does not require this, the principles of driveshaft and joint maintenance remain similar. Keeping an eye on any knocking noises while turning or acceleration, inspecting the CV boots for cracks or tears during regular servicing, and addressing issues early could save significant costs down the track.

In the case of the 2011 Subaru Exiga, owners are better served by familiarising themselves with the specific parts of their drivetrain, like CV joints and shafts, as well as the standard maintenance intervals recommended by Subaru. This also means having good quality replacement parts on hand when needed and visiting a knowledgeable mechanic who understands Subaru's AWD system and driveline peculiarities.

While a centre bearing might sound like a critical piece to drivetrain health on many vehicles, it is not a component that the 2011 Subaru Exiga relies on. Its design cleverly avoids the downsides of needing a centre bearing by employing CV joints and a drivetrain layout that is more compact and durable. This translates to simplified maintenance and fewer points of failure in the driveshaft setup, contributing to overall reliability and smooth driving experience.