Parts for your 2013 Subaru Exiga-Centre bearing

Centre Bearing on the 2013 Subaru Exiga: What You Need to Know

The 2013 Subaru Exiga is a popular multi-purpose vehicle admired for its spacious interior and reliable performance. When it comes to drivetrain components like the centre bearing, it's important to understand whether this part is relevant to the vehicle in question. For the Subaru Exiga, the answer is pretty straightforward: a centre bearing is not typically used on this model.

The reason behind the absence of a centre bearing in the 2013 Subaru Exiga lies in its drivetrain design. This model commonly comes with either an all-wheel-drive (AWD) or front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout, depending on the variant. Both setups differ significantly from vehicles that require a centre bearing.

A centre bearing is generally found on drivetrains with a two-piece driveshaft. This design splits the driveshaft into two sections with a support bearing positioned roughly in the middle to hold the shafts in place and reduce vibrations. Vehicles with long driveshafts, like some rear-wheel-drive setups or certain AWD systems with a longitudinal engine layout, utilise centre bearings to provide stability and smooth operation when transferring power from the engine to the wheels.

In contrast, the 2013 Subaru Exiga uses a symmetrical AWD system powered by a horizontally opposed "boxer" engine mounted transversely. This layout allows the driveshafts to be shorter and directly connected to the differentials without the need to split into separate shafts that require central support. Additionally, in FWD variants, the power is sent directly to the front wheels through a transaxle, so there's no need for a long driveshaft or centre bearing at all.

Because of this, the centre bearing is not used or even present on the Exiga's drivetrain. This simplifies the vehicle's drivetrain design and reduces the number of moving parts that can wear out or require maintenance. The focus for driveline upkeep on this vehicle is more on the CV joints, transmission, differentials, and general drivetrain lubrication.

While the centre bearing is a crucial component on many other AWD and RWD vehicles, its absence in the 2013 Subaru Exiga means drivers don't have to worry about this part specifically. Instead, they can focus on routine servicing items that are more relevant for their car, which helps keep maintenance straightforward and cost-effective.