Parts for your 2011 Subaru Exiga-Centre bearing

2011 Subaru Exiga centre-bearing

Based on the Subaru Exiga YA-series Workshop Manual (Propeller Shaft section, STIS) and the Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue (FAST, Group 27: Propeller Shaft), the 2011 Subaru Exiga in AWD form uses a two-piece propeller shaft supported by a rubber-mounted centre support bearing (centre-bearing). It’s a relevant, fitted component on AWD models. Front-wheel-drive variants don’t have a prop shaft, so there’s no centre-bearing on those.

The centre-bearing’s job is to hold the two-piece prop shaft steady along the car’s length. It keeps the shaft aligned, controls vibration, and lets the rear half of the driveline run smoothly as road speed changes. When the bearing or its rubber support perishes, drivers often notice a droning or humming that rises with road speed, a shudder on take-off, or a thump when transitioning on and off the throttle. Left alone, excess movement can stress the universal joints and rear diff mount.

Subaru typically supplies the Exiga’s centre-bearing as part of the complete propeller shaft assembly. That’s why many workshops recommend replacing the whole shaft if the bearing is noisy or the rubber support is torn. Aftermarket centre-bearings do exist, but pressing one on and off and keeping the prop shaft correctly phased and balanced is a precision job for a driveline specialist.

For servicing, there’s no fixed replacement interval—treat it as an inspect-and-replace item. A good rule is to check it every 40,000–60,000 km or whenever there’s a vibration complaint. Look for cracked or oil-soaked rubber, sagging of the support, or play/noise when the shaft is rotated by hand. During replacement, match-mark the flanges to maintain phasing, use new self-locking hardware where specified, and tighten to Subaru torque specs. After any driveline work, a quick road test at 60–100 km/h helps confirm the repair and spot any residual vibration. Protect the new bearing by fixing oil leaks, keeping underbody shields in place, and avoiding harsh launches that can shock the support.

• Common symptoms: speed-related humming, shudder on take-off, clunk on load changes, visible movement at the centre support.
• Service tip: if tyres, wheels, and engine mounts check out, focus on the centre-bearing and rear driveline mounts.

Popular questions about 2011 Subaru Exiga centre-bearing

Does every 2011 Subaru Exiga have a centre-bearing?
AWD models do—there’s a two-piece prop shaft with a rubber-mounted support roughly mid-car. Some FWD variants don’t have a prop shaft, so there’s no centre-bearing fitted. A quick look underneath will show a bracketed bearing if it’s AWD.

How long should the centre-bearing last?
Many last 150,000–250,000 km, but age, oil contamination, lifted suspensions, and hard launches can shorten life. Regular inspections during servicing help catch a failing support before it shakes other driveline parts to bits.

Can just the centre-bearing be replaced, or is a full shaft needed?
Subaru supplies the prop shaft as a complete assembly, which is the straightforward fix. Some aftermarket bearings are available, but pressing them on and keeping the shaft balanced is best left to a driveline specialist.