Parts for your 2015 Subaru Forester-Driveshafts

2015 Subaru Forester driveshafts: what they do and how to look after them

Based on the Subaru Forester SJ (2014–2018) factory service manual Driveline/Axle section and Subaru’s electronic parts catalogue for the 2015 model year, every 2015 Forester sold in Australia and New Zealand runs Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and is fitted with a propeller shaft (driveshaft) linking the transmission to the rear differential, plus CV axle shafts at each wheel. In other words, driveshafts are absolutely relevant to this vehicle.

On the 2015 Forester, the two-piece propeller shaft carries torque to the rear diff, working alongside the front and rear CV axle shafts that deliver drive to the wheels. The prop shaft uses a centre support bearing and non-greasable joints, designed to run quietly with minimal maintenance. Meanwhile, each CV axle shaft uses constant velocity joints under flexible rubber boots to keep grease in and grit out, so the AWD system can put power down smoothly in all conditions.

For routine servicing, driveshaft care is mostly about inspection. A good workshop will check for split CV boots, thrown grease, torn clamps, rust dust around joints, and any play at the centre bearing. They’ll also look for flange bolt looseness and run a road test to feel for vibration under load or on overrun. Subaru’s own guidance treats the propeller shaft as a replace-as-an-assembly item if its joints or bearing are worn, while CV axles are often repairable if caught early (boot-only repairs) but typically replaced if joints click or grind.

Common tell-tales owners notice include:

• Vibration or shudder at certain speeds (often centre bearing or prop shaft imbalance)
• Clicking on full lock when parking (front CV joint wear)
• Grease spray around a wheel arch or underbody (split CV boot)

If replacement’s on the cards, use quality OEM or reputable aftermarket shafts matched to the SJ Forester. Mark flange positions before removal to help preserve balance, use new self-locking hardware where specified, and torque fasteners to Subaru specs. Because the prop shaft on this model is flange-bolted front and rear, removal doesn’t usually spill transmission fluid. After refit, a quick road test on a smooth road will confirm no vibration. As a rule of thumb, get the driveline inspected at each service interval (every 10,000–15,000 kilometres), especially if the vehicle tows, sees gravel roads, or has a lift kit and bigger tyres.

Look after the boots, keep an ear out for new noises, and the Forester’s driveshafts will get on with the job quietly for years.

Popular questions

Does a 2015 Subaru Forester have a driveshaft?
Yes. The 2015 Forester (SJ) uses a two-piece propeller shaft between the transmission and rear differential, plus CV axle shafts at each wheel. This is documented in the Subaru factory service manual Driveline/Axle section and confirmed by Subaru’s parts catalogue listings for the propeller shaft assembly and front/rear drive axles.

What are the signs a Forester driveshaft or CV axle is failing?
Vibration at certain speeds, a droning noise that changes with load, or a thump on take-off often points to a worn centre bearing or prop shaft joint. A rhythmic clicking on tight turns usually indicates a front CV joint. Grease flung inside the wheel or underbody suggests a split boot that needs urgent attention.

Can the driveshaft U-joints on a 2015 Forester be greased?
No. The propeller shaft joints on the SJ Forester are sealed and not greasable. Subaru treats the prop shaft as a complete replacement unit if play or roughness is found. CV joints are also sealed, maintenance focuses on boot inspection and timely boot replacement to avoid joint damage.