Propeller Shaft: Inspection

Check the propeller shaft with the propeller shaft installed to the vehicle.

1. Remove the center exhaust pipe, rear exhaust pipe, and muffler.
   • Center exhaust pipe:
     • Turbo model: Ref. to EXHAUST(H4DOTC)>Center Exhaust Pipe>REMOVAL .
     • Non-turbo model: Ref. to EXHAUST(H4DO)>Center Exhaust Pipe>REMOVAL .
   • Rear exhaust pipe:
     • Turbo model: Ref. to EXHAUST(H4DOTC)>Rear Exhaust Pipe>REMOVAL .
     • Non-turbo model: Ref. to EXHAUST(H4DO)>Rear Exhaust Pipe>REMOVAL .
   • Muffler:
     • Turbo model: Ref. to EXHAUST(H4DOTC)>Muffler>REMOVAL .
     • Non-turbo model: Ref. to EXHAUST(H4DO)>Muffler>REMOVAL .
2. Remove the bolts, and then remove the center exhaust cover.
   Fig 1: Identifying Center Exhaust Cover

   Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
3. Check the propeller shaft mounting bolt for looseness.
   1. Yoke flange mounting bolts which connect to the rear differential
   2. Center bearing bracket mounting bolts
      Fig 2: Locating Yoke Flange Mounting Bolts

      Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
4. Check the spline and bearing for the propeller shaft.
   1. Turn the propeller shaft by hand to check if abnormal free play exists at splines.
   2. Also move yokes to check if abnormal free play exists at spiders and bearings.
   Fig 3: Turning Propeller Shaft By Hand

   Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
5. Measure the deflection of the propeller shaft.
   1. Set the dial gauge (B) with its indicator stem at the center of the propeller shaft (A).
   2. Turn the propeller shaft (A) slowly by hands to check for runout of the propeller shaft.

      Runout: 

      Limit: 0.6 mm (0.024 in)

   Fig 4: Identifying Dial Gauge And Propeller Shaft

   Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
6. Check the center bearing for free play.

   Move the propeller shaft near the center bearing up, down, left, right by hand, to check for any abnormal free play of the bearings.

   Fig 5: Moving Propeller Shaft Near Center Bearing Up, Down, Left, Right By Hand

   Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
7. Replace the propeller shaft assembly if faulty is found in the inspection.