Propeller Shaft: Inspection

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

1. Remove the rear exhaust pipe and muffler. Ref. to EXHAUST (H4DO (EXCEPT FOR HEV))>REAR EXHAUST PIPE>REMOVAL . Ref. to EXHAUST (H4DO (EXCEPT FOR HEV))>MUFFLER>REMOVAL .
2. Remove the bolts, and then remove the center exhaust cover.
   • Except for Crosstrek hybrid model

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   • Crosstrek hybrid model

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3. Check the propeller shaft mounting bolt for looseness.
   1. Flange yoke mounting bolts and nuts which connect to the rear differential
   2. Center bearing bracket mounting bolts

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4. 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.

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5. Measure the deflection of the propeller shaft.
   1. Set the magnet stand and 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.

   Service limit: 

   0.6 mm (0.024 in)

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6. Check the center bearing for rattling.

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

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7. Replace the propeller shaft if faulty is found in the inspection.