How Do the Axle Shaft, Drive Shaft, and Universal Joint Function in the Power Transmission System on a Subaru Impreza?

The driveshaft, connecting the transaxle and rear differential, uses a splined sleeve yoke and is bolted to the differential pinion flange. It has universal joints at both ends and a third behind the center bearing, a ball-type bearing in a rubber cushion. All models have two front and rear axle shafts, with an inner and outer ball-and-cage type CV joint or a tri-pot inner joint and a ball-and-cage outer joint. The inner CV joint can be disassembled, but the axleshaft and outer CV joint cannot. Driveshaft issues are typically signaled by noise or vibration while driving.

Genuine Subaru Impreza Universal Joint

U-Joint

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8 Universal Joints found

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Subaru Impreza Steering Universal Joint Assembly
Part Number: 34170FE050
$199.77 MSRP: $292.07
You Save: $92.30 (32%)
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Universal Joint Assembly-Steering; Coupling, U-Joint Coupling
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Subaru's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2004-2007 Subaru Impreza | STI, STI Limited | 2.5L H4 Turbo
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Subaru Impreza Steering Universal Joint Assembly
Part Number: 34170AG021
$183.55 MSRP: $268.35
You Save: $84.80 (32%)
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Universal Joint Assembly-Steering
- Replaced by: 34170AG023
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Subaru's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2008-2011 Subaru Impreza | 2.5 GT, 2.5i, Outback Sport, WRX, WRX Sport, WRXSS | 2.5L H4, 2.5L H4 Turbo
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Subaru Impreza Steering Universal Joint Assembly
Part Number: 34170FE020
$221.03 MSRP: $323.15
You Save: $102.12 (32%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Universal Joint Assembly-Steering; Coupling, U-Joint Coupling
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Subaru's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2002-2007 Subaru Impreza | 25i, Outback, Outback Sport, RS, TS, WRX, WRX TR | 2.0L H4 Turbo, 2.5L H4, 2.5L H4 Turbo
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Subaru Impreza Steering Universal Joint Assembly
Part Number: 34170FL000
$167.26 MSRP: $244.53
You Save: $77.27 (32%)
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Universal Joint Assembly-Steering
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Subaru's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2017-2021 Subaru Impreza | Base, Limited, Premium, Sport
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Subaru Impreza Steering Universal Joint Assembly
Part Number: 34170FG010
$185.66 MSRP: $271.43
You Save: $85.77 (32%)
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Universal Joint Assembly-Steering
- Replaced by: 34170FG011
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Subaru's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2008-2011 Subaru Impreza | STI, STI Special Edition, STI Sport | 2.5L H4 Turbo
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Subaru Impreza UNIV JT ASSY
Part Number: 34170FN030
$177.52 MSRP: $259.53
You Save: $82.01 (32%)
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Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Subaru's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2024-2025 Subaru Impreza | 4 Cyl 2.0L, 4 Cyl 2.5L
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Subaru Impreza Steering Universal Joint Assembly
Part Number: 34170FJ010
$171.30 MSRP: $250.43
You Save: $79.13 (32%)
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Univiversal Joint Assy Els ; Universal Joint Assembly-Steering; Coupling, U-Joint Coupling
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Subaru's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2012-2016 Subaru Impreza | Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Sport Limited
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Subaru Impreza Steering Universal Joint Assembly
Part Number: 34160AA010
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Universal Joint Assembly-Steering; Coupling, U-Joint Coupling, Yoke
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Subaru's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1993-2001 Subaru Impreza | Base, Brighton, L, L+, LE, LS, LX, Outback, RS, TS | 1.8L H4, 2.2L H4, 2.2L H4 (New EVAPO), 2.2L H4 Series, 2.5L H4 DOHC, 2.5L H4 SOHC

Subaru Impreza Universal Joint

The Subaru Impreza Universal Joint enables the driveshaft to bend, but it continues to deliver smooth power to the axles as they rise and fall over bumps. Every Universal Joint connects either the front transmission slip yoke or the rear differential flange at each end of the prop shaft. Its cross-shaped trunnion pivots within four needle bearing cups, allowing for angle changes caused by suspension travel. The factory units, as supplied, come pre-packed with grease sealed inside the cups. This makes them maintenance-free until such time as wear dries the grease out and clunks, squeaks, or even vibration occurs. Over the years, some Subaru Impreza models have applied a serviceable Universal Joint with a small grease fitting to extend life. The sealed and serviceable Universal Joint is fitted with the same basic cross-and-cup architecture. Nonetheless, the sealed and serviceable styles share the same basic cross-and-cup architecture. The inspection is simple; check for any missing clips, cracked seals, red dust, or play when the shaft is twisted or lifted. If there is any play, replace it; this will prevent further damage to the driveline. Through the compact Impreza Universal Joint connector, every Subaru confidently corners and negotiates uneven road surfaces, while the Impreza's owner benefits from reliable torque delivery from a Universal Joint that is doing its job.

Our website stands as the go-to online destination for OEM Subaru Impreza Universal Joint. With complete lines of genuine Subaru Impreza Universal Joint available at unbeatable market prices, we ensure top quality, reliability, and durability. Each part comes backed by the manufacturer's warranty, reinforcing your trust in our offerings.

Subaru Impreza Universal Joint Parts Questions & Experts Answers

Steering Universal Joint Assembly
34170FE050
Q:
How Do the Axle Shaft, Drive Shaft, and Universal Joint Function in the Power Transmission System on a Subaru Impreza?
Posted by Fermina M.
A:
The driveshaft, connecting the transaxle and rear Differential, uses a splined sleeve yoke and is bolted to the differential pinion flange. It has universal joints at both ends and a third behind the center bearing, a ball-type bearing in a rubber cushion. All models have two front and rear axle shafts, with an inner and outer ball-and-cage type CV joint or a tri-pot inner joint and a ball-and-cage outer joint. The inner CV joint can be disassembled, but the axleshaft and outer CV joint cannot. Driveshaft issues are typically signaled by noise or vibration while driving.
Answered by Subaru Parts Specialist Anthony / Mar 16, 2025