Parts for your 2017 Subaru Exiga-Centre bearing

2017 Subaru Exiga centre bearing — what it is and whether it’s there

Based on Subaru’s own technical documentation, the 2017 Subaru Exiga (including the Exiga Crossover 7) in all-wheel drive form uses a two-piece propeller shaft supported by a centre (carrier) bearing. This layout is detailed in the Subaru Exiga YA-series workshop manual under the Propeller Shaft section, and is reflected in the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue, which lists a centre bearing/bracket assembly within the propeller shaft group for YA-model AWD Exiga/Crossover 7 vehicles. Front-wheel drive Japan-market variants, where fitted, do not use a propeller shaft and therefore don’t have a centre bearing.

With that settled, here’s what the centre bearing does on a 2017 Subaru Exiga and how it fits into routine servicing.

The centre bearing sits mid-way along the Exiga’s two-piece tailshaft, holding the shaft at the right height and angle while the rubber carrier soaks up vibration. It keeps the driveline straight between the transmission and rear diff, cutting noise and harshness and helping the AWD stay smooth under load. When the rubber perishes or the bearing gets rough, owners will often notice a droning hum, a buzz through the floor at 60–100 km/h, or a clunk on take-off.

There’s no scheduled replacement interval because the bearing is sealed, but it should be inspected during regular servicing. A good workshop will check for excessive play, torn rubber in the carrier, signs of the bracket sagging, and any rub marks on the tailshaft tunnel. If the Exiga has been lifted, lowered, or has had a knock to the underbody, driveline angles and the centre bearing’s bracket alignment deserve an extra look.

When replacement’s needed, it’s typically done with the bearing and carrier together. Best practice is to mark the tailshaft halves for phasing before removal, support the exhaust and heat shields, and use the slotted bracket mounts to set the bearing so the shaft runs true. While in there, it’s smart to check the front CV joint and rear uni joint on the prop shaft, plus the gearbox extension seal. Many techs will recommend balancing the shaft if there’s any hint of vibration after reassembly. Genuine parts tend to last longest, though quality aftermarket carriers are available in AU/NZ and can be a budget-friendly fix.

Left too long, a noisy centre bearing can hammer the tailshaft, stress the gearbox mount, and make the Exiga feel rough on the open road. Catching it during service keeps the ride quiet and the AWD happy.

• Common symptoms: droning/hum with road speed, vibration under load, clunk on take-off, visible carrier rubber cracking.
• Service tip: inspect at each major service, especially after suspension changes or underbody strikes.

FAQs

Does every 2017 Exiga have a centre bearing?
AWD models do, as they run a two-piece prop shaft. Some Japan-market front-wheel drive variants don’t use a prop shaft at all, so there’s no centre bearing on those cars. A quick check of the VIN build sheet or a look under the car for a prop shaft to the rear diff will confirm it.

How long does a centre bearing last, and what’s the fix if it fails?
Many will go well past 150,000 km, but heat, age and road conditions can shorten life. Replacement is the cure, the bearing is sealed and not serviceable. Most workshops swap the bearing and carrier as an assembly, re-align the bracket, and verify driveline balance.

Is it safe to keep driving with a noisy centre bearing?
Short trips at low speed might be manageable, but it’s not ideal. Continued driving can worsen vibration, stress other driveline bits, and in the worst case damage the prop shaft. Best to book it in for inspection and repair.