Parts for your 2012 Subaru Exiga-Universal joints

2012 Subaru Exiga universal joints — what they do and when to service them

According to Subaru’s technical references for the YA-series Exiga (MY2012) — including the Factory Service Manual driveline/propeller shaft section and the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue — the vehicle is fitted with cross-type universal joints on the propeller (tail) shaft, and a small universal joint on the lower steering intermediate shaft. On the prop shaft they’re non-greaseable, staked-in joints supplied as part of the tailshaft assembly, which makes universal joints relevant service items on a 2012 Subaru Exiga.

On this Exiga, the universal joints let the tailshaft transfer torque from the transmission to the rear differential while accounting for movement in the driveline under load and suspension travel. They help keep things smooth at highway speeds and under acceleration, so when they wear, the first giveaway is usually vibration or a shudder that turns up under load, on overrun, or at certain road speeds. A dull clunk when shifting from Drive to Reverse can also point to play in a joint.

Because the factory prop shaft uses sealed, staked U-joints, Subaru treats them as “no-service” items: you inspect and, if worn, replace the complete tailshaft assembly. Many driveline specialists in Australia and New Zealand can rebuild the original shaft with circlip-type serviceable U-joints if you prefer a repairable setup. Either way, keeping the joints healthy protects the centre support bearing, diff and gearbox flanges, and saves tyres from odd wear due to vibration.

• Inspection tips: look for rust-coloured dust around the caps, split seals, or any sign of slung grease. With the car safely supported, feel for free play at the yokes and rotate the shaft to detect notchiness.
• Service intervals: check at major services (every 40,000–50,000 km is a good habit) or sooner if there’s vibration, droning, or clunks.
• Replacement notes: mark the shaft orientation before removal to maintain phasing, use new flange bolts, and torque to factory spec. Aftermarket rebuilds with greaseable joints are handy for high-kilometre cars.
• What’s not a U-joint: the front and rear drive axles on the Exiga use CV joints, don’t confuse CV noise (clicking on full lock) with a tailshaft U-joint issue (vibration and clunk in a straight line).

If the steering feels notchy or the wheel won’t self-centre smoothly, also check the lower steering column U-joint for corrosion or binding, especially on cars that live near the coast.

Popular question: Does the 2012 Subaru Exiga have universal joints or CVs?

Both. The propeller (tail) shaft uses universal joints, while the front and rear drive axles use CV joints. The lower steering shaft also uses a small universal joint. So if there’s a vibration through the floor at speed, think tailshaft U-joints, if there’s clicking on full lock, think CVs.

Popular question: How often should Exiga universal joints be replaced?

There isn’t a fixed kilometre figure. Inspect them at major services and replace on condition — signs include vibration under load, clunks on take-up, rust dust at the caps, or binding. On a stock Exiga that’s regularly serviced, U-joints can last well past 150,000 km, but coastal use, lifted suspension or towing can shorten that.

Popular question: Can the Exiga’s factory U-joints be greased?

The original tailshaft U-joints are sealed and non-greaseable. If you want greaseable joints, a driveline shop can rebuild the shaft with serviceable, circlip-retained U-joints. That makes future maintenance as simple as a quick grease at service time.