Parts for your 2013 Subaru Forester-Universal joints

2013 Subaru Forester universal joints (U-joints)

Based on technical sources, universal joints are absolutely used on the 2013 Subaru Forester (SH series). The Subaru Factory Service Manual for MY09–13 Forester (Propeller Shaft section), the Subaru Technical Information System, and Subaru’s parts catalogue all show a two-piece propeller shaft with a universal joint at the transmission end and another at the rear differential, plus a centre support bearing. These U-joints are sealed, non-greasable, and in OE form are not serviced separately from the shaft assembly.

On a Forester, the U-joints let the propeller shaft send drive from the transmission to the rear diff while the drivetrain and suspension move. They handle the angles and keep the Symmetrical AWD feeling smooth and predictable. When they’re healthy, there’s no vibration and no clunks — just quiet, confident progress on the motorway or a corrugated track.

Factory U-joints on this model are staked and considered non-serviceable, so there’s no regular greasing. What matters is inspection. As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to:

• Check for play at the front and rear flanges with the vehicle safely raised.
• Listen for squeaks at low speed and feel for shudder under load — early flags of dry or worn needle bearings.
• Look for rusty dust around the bearing caps and check the centre support bearing rubber for cracks.

Typical warning signs include a clunk shifting from Drive to Reverse, a cyclic vibration that ramps up with road speed, and a chirp that appears then vanishes as load changes. If any of these pop up, get it checked promptly — a failed U-joint can damage the shaft, exhaust, or even the diff flange.

When replacement’s needed, Subaru’s FSM calls for replacing the complete propeller shaft assembly and new self-locking hardware. Mark the flanges before removal to preserve balance, keep the shaft phasing correct, and torque to spec on reassembly. Quality aftermarket assemblies are available, and specialist driveline shops can rebuild shafts with serviceable U-joints, but that’s outside the OE procedure.

There’s no fixed interval, but a quick inspection every 12 months or 20,000 km is a good rule of thumb — sooner if the Forester tows, runs lifted suspension, or sees plenty of off‑road. A well-kept driveline keeps the AWD crisp and the cabin calm.

Technical references: Subaru Forester 2009–2013 Factory Service Manual (Propeller Shaft), Subaru Technical Information System, Subaru Parts Catalogue, also reflected in common repair guides such as Haynes and professional databases.

Popular questions

Does a 2013 Subaru Forester have universal joints?
Yes. The 2013 Forester (SH) uses U-joints on the two-piece propeller shaft — one at the transmission end and one at the rear differential. The front and rear drive axles use CV joints, not U-joints.

Are the Forester’s U-joints serviceable or greasable?
From the factory they’re sealed and staked, so there are no grease nipples and Subaru specifies replacing the entire propeller shaft if a joint is worn. Some driveline specialists can rebuild the shaft with replaceable U-joints, but that’s not the OE method.

What symptoms point to worn U-joints on a 2013 Forester?
Look out for a clunk when shifting between Drive and Reverse, a vibration that increases with speed, or a squeak/chirp at low speeds. Any of these warrant an inspection of the prop shaft U-joints and centre bearing.