Parts for your 2016 Subaru Exiga-Driveshafts

2016 Subaru Exiga driveshafts

Driveshafts are absolutely relevant and fitted to the 2016 Subaru Exiga. Subaru’s own technical material on Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive confirms the layout uses a transaxle, front driveshafts (CV axles), a propeller shaft to the rear differential, and rear axle shafts. The Subaru Exiga (YA series) service manual and Subaru’s electronic parts catalogue also list “Front Drive Shaft Assy” and “Rear Axle Shaft” for 2016 models, confirming their presence across the range (front driveshafts on all variants, plus prop shaft and rear shafts on AWD). Technical sources: Subaru Global Symmetrical AWD technical overview, Subaru Exiga (YA) Service Manual, Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue/STIS.

On the Exiga, the driveshafts carry engine torque from the transaxle and differentials to the wheels while allowing steering angle and suspension travel via constant-velocity (CV) joints. Those CV joints are packed with high-moly grease and sealed by rubber boots. When the boots stay intact, the joints typically last a very long time, if a boot splits and loses grease, wear accelerates fast.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to visually check the front and rear driveshaft boots every service interval. Look for grease flung around the inner guards, small cracks in the rubber, or clamps that have loosened. Common symptoms of CV or driveshaft issues include:

• Clicking or popping on full lock when accelerating (outer CV joint wear)
• Shudder or vibration under load at motorway speeds (inner CV or prop shaft/centre bearing on AWD)
• Grease spray near a wheel or diff (torn boot)

If a boot is torn but the joint hasn’t gone noisy, a timely boot replacement and re-pack with the correct grease can save the original shaft. Once there’s clicking or excess play, a quality replacement shaft is the go. For the Exiga, using genuine or reputable aftermarket driveshafts is recommended, cheap units can introduce vibration or premature wear.

Replacement tips a workshop will follow: renew the axle nut and stake it properly, check hub and diff seals, protect the ABS encoder/magnetic ring when removing the shaft, torque everything to spec. A wheel alignment isn’t usually required for a straightforward driveshaft swap, but it’s worth checking if suspension arms were disturbed. Typical workshop time is about 1–2 hours per side.

Because the Exiga’s AWD system is sensitive to rolling diameter, keep tyres matched in brand, size, and wear. Rotating tyres regularly and replacing them as a set helps protect CV joints, differentials and the centre coupling.

Popular questions about 2016 Subaru Exiga driveshafts

Does the 2016 Subaru Exiga have driveshafts or just a prop shaft?
It has both. All Exiga variants have front driveshafts (CV axles). AWD models also add a propeller shaft to the rear differential and rear axle shafts. This layout is documented in Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD technical info and in the Exiga (YA) service/parts documentation.

How long do the driveshafts last on a 2016 Exiga?
With intact boots and matched tyres, driveshafts can run well beyond 200,000 km. The biggest killers are torn boots (loss of grease, dirt ingress) and mismatched tyre diameters stressing the joints. Regular inspection at each service keeps them healthy.

Do I need an alignment after replacing a driveshaft?
Usually no, because driveshaft replacement doesn’t change static alignment. If any suspension arms or struts were loosened during the job, get an alignment check. It’s also a good time to rotate tyres and ensure even wear for the AWD system.