Parts for your 2014 Subaru Exiga-Centre bearing

2014 Subaru Exiga centre-bearing: what it is, whether it’s fitted, and how to look after it

Based on technical documentation for the YA‑series Exiga—namely the Subaru Factory Service Manual (Propeller Shaft/Driveline section) and the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue (Group 27: Propeller Shaft)—the 2014 Subaru Exiga AWD is fitted with a two‑piece tailshaft (propeller shaft) that uses a centre support bearing and bracket mounted to the body tunnel. These sources show the centre-bearing as an integral part of the complete prop shaft assembly, consistent with Subaru’s longitudinal Symmetrical AWD design.

On the 2014 Exiga, the centre-bearing supports the two‑piece tailshaft, keeping the rotating mass stable and aligned between the transmission’s rear output and the rear differential. It does three key jobs: carries the mid‑span load so the shaft doesn’t whip at speed, maintains driveline angles to reduce vibration, and isolates noise and harshness via its rubber mount. Because the Exiga’s AWD tailshaft spins pretty much whenever the car’s rolling, the centre-bearing works hard every day—especially on coarse‑chip highways and around town with lots of stop‑start.

Tell‑tale signs it’s on the way out include:

• A thump or shudder on take‑off or when shifting from reverse to drive
• A droning hum or vibration that peaks around 40–80 km/h and eases off above that
• Visible tearing, cracking or sagging of the bearing’s rubber support
• Excessive tailshaft movement when the bracket is levered gently during inspection

Servicing wise, it’s smart to have the centre-bearing and bracket checked at regular services (every 20,000 km or 12 months suits most Exigas). A technician should inspect the rubber mount, feel for roughness in the bearing, and check for tailshaft balance weights missing or contact marks on the exhaust heat shields. Any fluid leaks from the transmission rear seal or the diff front seal should be fixed promptly to prevent contamination and extra mess around the bearing area.

When replacement time comes, note that Subaru typically supplies the propeller shaft as a complete assembly with the centre-bearing and staked U‑joints. That means many workshops will fit a whole tailshaft rather than swapping the bearing alone. Quality driveline specialists can rebuild the assembly or press in an aftermarket centre-bearing where available, but balance and alignment are critical. Flanges should be marked before removal, new self‑locking hardware used where specified, and the centre-bearing bracket loosely installed and centred at normal ride height before final torque. After refit, a road test to check for any residual vibration is essential. If vibrations persist, also assess engine, transmission and rear diff mounts, as tired mounts can accelerate centre-bearing wear and create similar symptoms.

FAQs

Does a 2014 Subaru Exiga have a centre-bearing?
The YA‑series Exiga AWD uses a two‑piece tailshaft with a centre support bearing, as shown in the Subaru Factory Service Manual and FAST parts catalogue. It’s a standard feature of the longitudinal Symmetrical AWD driveline.

What are the signs my Exiga’s centre-bearing is failing?
Common clues are a thump on take‑off, a mid‑speed vibration or droning, and a sagging or cracked rubber support. If those show up, get the driveline inspected before it worsens and affects other components.

Can I replace just the centre-bearing, or do I need a whole tailshaft?
From Subaru, the centre-bearing generally comes as part of the complete propeller shaft assembly. Some aftermarket options and driveline shops can replace the bearing alone, but correct pressing, alignment and rebalancing are crucial for a smooth result.