Parts for your 2018 Subaru Exiga-Coil springs

2018 Subaru Exiga coil springs — purpose, care and replacement

Coil springs are absolutely relevant to the 2018 Subaru Exiga (including the Crossover 7). Technical references show they’re standard equipment: the Subaru Exiga (YA-series) Service Manual details a front MacPherson strut layout with coil-over springs and a rear double-wishbone suspension using separate coil springs, the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue lists front and rear coil spring part numbers for this model, and major fitment guides from KYB, Monroe and TEIN all catalogue replacement coil springs for 2018 Exiga variants. So yes — the Exiga rides on coils at all four corners.

On this seven-seater, the coil springs carry the vehicle’s weight, set the ride height and work with the dampers to keep things planted. Up front, the coils wrap around the struts to control body movement under braking and turn-in. Down the back, the coils support passengers and cargo, helping the Exiga stay level even with a full load for a weekend away. Healthy springs mean steady road holding, even tyre wear and a comfy ride on coarse-chip Aussie and Kiwi roads.

When it comes to servicing, coil springs deserve a look anytime the shocks, struts or top mounts are inspected. They don’t “wear out” in the same way dampers do, but they can sag, corrode, or crack — especially on vehicles that carry kids, gear and tow the odd trailer. Best practice is to replace springs in axle pairs to keep ride height even and handling predictable. If swapping to heavy-duty or towing springs, match them with appropriate dampers and have the alignment checked straight after.

• Tell-tale signs: rear sitting low, uneven ride height side-to-side, knocking or pinging over bumps, a harsher ride, or scalloped tyre wear.
• Service tips: clean and inspect the spring seats and isolators, check for rust pitting and chipped coating, and confirm the springs are properly seated after any suspension work.
• Safety: a broken coil can damage a tyre — if a spring is cracked, park it up and arrange a tow rather than driving on.

A workshop with Subaru know-how can select the right-rate coils (standard, raised or heavy-duty), compress them safely, and torque everything to spec. Finish with a wheel alignment and they’ll have the Exiga riding sweet and tracking straight.

FAQs

How long do coil springs last on a 2018 Subaru Exiga?
In normal use they can last the life of the vehicle, but high kilometres, heavy loads, coastal corrosion and rough roads can shorten that. If the rear sags with passengers or the ride height looks uneven, it’s time for an inspection. Many owners see benefit in new coils around the same time as the second set of shocks/struts.

Should coil springs be replaced in pairs?
Yes — replace both fronts or both rears together. Pair replacement keeps the ride height even and preserves predictable handling and braking. Mixing an old spring with a new one can cause the car to lean and can accelerate tyre wear.

Is it safe to drive with a broken coil spring?
No. A fractured spring can shift and rub or cut into a tyre, creating a serious safety risk and likely failing a roadworthy or WOF. Arrange a tow and have the spring and related hardware replaced before driving again.