Propeller Shaft: Inspection

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

1. Shift the select lever or gear shift lever to neutral.
2. Release the parking brake.
3. Lift up the vehicle.
4. Remove the center exhaust pipe.
   • STI model: Refer to EXHAUST (STI)>CENTER EXHAUST PIPE>REMOVAL .
   • Except for STI model: Refer to EXHAUST (EXCEPT FOR STI)>CENTER EXHAUST PIPE>REMOVAL .
5. Remove the rear exhaust pipe.
   • STI model: Refer to EXHAUST (STI)>REAR EXHAUST PIPE>REMOVAL .
   • Except for STI model: Refer to EXHAUST (EXCEPT FOR STI)>REAR EXHAUST PIPE>REMOVAL .
6. Remove the bolts, and then remove the center exhaust cover.

   Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

7. 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

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8. Check the spline and bearing for the propeller shaft.
   1. Turn the propeller shaft by hand to check if abnormal looseness exists at splines.
   2. Also move yokes to check if abnormal looseness exists at spiders and bearings.

   Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

9. 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)

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10. Check the center bearing for play.

    Hold the propeller shaft near the center bearing section and move it by hand to upward, downward and sideways, in order to check for any abnormal free play of the bearings.

    Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

11. Replace the propeller shaft assembly if faulty is found in the inspection.