Parts for your 2013 Subaru Outback-Centre bearing

2013 Subaru Outback centre-bearing — fitted, what it does and how to look after it

Based on Subaru’s BR/BM Factory Service Manual (Propeller Shaft section) and the Subaru FAST parts catalogue for MY2013 Outback/Legacy, the 2013 Subaru Outback uses a two-piece tailshaft (propeller shaft) with a body-mounted centre support bearing. It’s standard across the AWD range (2.5i CVT/6MT and 3.6R). Subaru typically supplies the tailshaft as a complete assembly for this generation, with the centre-bearing not sold separately in many markets, which is also reflected in common workshop information systems used in Australia and New Zealand.

The centre-bearing’s job is simple but crucial: it holds the two-piece tailshaft steady, keeps driveline angles in check and soaks up vibration before it reaches the cabin. Without it, the long tailshaft would whip about over bumps and under load, causing shudder, noise and premature wear of joints and mounts. On the 2013 Outback, the bearing is sealed and sits in a rubber carrier that isolates noise and harshness, keeping the wagon feeling tight and refined on corrugations and at motorway speeds.

There’s not much day-to-day maintenance — it’s not a greasable unit — but regular inspection pays off. A good service will have the tech check the rubber carrier for splits or sagging, spin the shaft by hand looking for roughness, and note any witness marks from contact. Typical signs a centre-bearing is on the way out include:

• A droning or humming that rises with road speed (often 60–100 km/h)
• Shudder on take-off or when reapplying throttle up a hill
• Clunks as load comes on and off, plus visible droop of the carrier

When replacement is needed, best practice on this model is to replace the complete tailshaft assembly to preserve balance and phasing, especially if the original has staked uni joints. Some aftermarket kits offer a separate carrier/bearing, but correct pressing, alignment and rebalancing are critical. A competent workshop will:

1. Mark flange positions before removal and refit in the same orientation
2. Inspect transmission and rear diff mounts, as excess movement can mimic bearing noise
3. Torque flange fasteners to spec and road-test for any residual vibration

For most Outbacks doing mixed city–country kays, a quick underbody check every service and a closer look around the 100,000–150,000 km mark keeps the centre-bearing honest and the drive smooth.

Popular questions about 2013 Subaru Outback centre-bearing

Do all 2013 Outbacks have a centre-bearing?
Yes. The 2013 Outback is full-time AWD and uses a two-piece tailshaft supported by a centre-bearing across 2.5i and 3.6R models, whether CVT, 6-speed manual or 5-speed auto. It’s a standard driveline component on this generation.

Can the centre-bearing be replaced on its own?
Subaru commonly supplies the shaft as a complete assembly, and many workshops replace it that way to maintain factory balance. Some aftermarket carriers/bearings exist, but correct pressing and rebalancing are vital, otherwise, new vibrations can appear.

What symptoms point to a failing centre-bearing?
Listen for a low-speed shudder on take-off, a steady-speed drone around 60–100 km/h, or a thump as load comes on and off. A sagging or cracked rubber carrier is another giveaway during an underbody inspection.