Propeller Shaft: Inspection

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

1. Remove the front exhaust pipe.
   • H4 turbo model: Refer to REMOVAL Front Exhaust Pipe.
   • H4 non-turbo model: Refer to REMOVAL Front Exhaust Pipe.
   • H6 model: Refer to REMOVAL Front Exhaust Pipe.
2. Remove the center exhaust pipe, rear exhaust pipe, and muffler.
   • Center exhaust pipe & rear exhaust pipe 
     • H4 turbo model: Refer to REMOVAL Rear Exhaust Pipe.
     • H4 non-turbo model: Refer to REMOVAL Rear Exhaust Pipe.
     • H6 model: Refer to REMOVAL Rear Exhaust Pipe.
   • Muffler 
   • H4 turbo model: Refer to REMOVAL Muffler.
   • H4 non-turbo model: Refer to REMOVAL Muffler.
   • H6 model: Refer to REMOVAL Muffler.
3. Remove the bolts to remove the front heat shield cover.
   Fig 1: Locating Front Heat Shield Cover Bolts

   Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
4. 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 Center Bearing Bracket Mounting Bolts

   Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
5. 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

   Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
6. 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.
   Fig 4: Measuring Deflection Of Propeller Shaft

   Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

   Runout: 

   Limit: 0.6 mm (0.024 in) 

7. 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: Checking Center Bearing For Free Play

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