CV Axle driver's side 2003 Manual

[MathieuKooij]

Hi everyone,
A question from the Netherlands.
I own a 2003 Baja (manual). The CV axle on the driver's side needs to be replaced. Searching for original Baja parts in Europe is hopeless. So my question is, which other model Subaru CV Axle (model + year) will fit?
Mathieu,

[anarchy1024]

My 2003 Baja 5MT and my 2002 Outback Wagon 5MT both use the same CV axles (and pretty-much every other drivetrain part).

[Trunc]

What are the first indicators a CV axle is going bad?
Is there a test procedure?

[Trunc]

Forgot to ask, How many miles do most people get on there CV’s before needing replacement?

[anarchy1024]

The only replacement I've done on mine is when a boot ripped, and the shop said it's better to replace the whole axle than re-boot. No symptoms, though. Nearly 415,000km on the Baja and 250,000 miles on the Outback, and I haven't replaced my CV axles (other than that one which probably wasn't required). Replaced all of the inner boots, though.

In my friend's case (MR2), there was a loud thunking/banging under acceleration, caused by a part that should be smooth....

Screenshot_20240221-145207.png (2.72 MiB) Viewed 33458 times

...no longer being smooth.

Screenshot_20240221-145042.png (1.42 MiB) Viewed 33458 times

[Voidexe]

I'm currently replacing my axles on my 03 AT for what I'm assuming is the first time (new owner) at 165k. I went with TRQ, relatively cheap and seems to be good quality. Had a co worker who's running TRQ axles for a couple dozen thousand miles now. If your boot is torn it's far easier and less messy to simply just replace the axle, they're relatively inexpensive and diagnosing the integrity of the axle can be a coin toss. To find parts that fit your Subaru just look up the specific model on rock auto or 1A. If you put your car in reverse and lock the wheel in one direction and hear a clicking/clunking sound it's a good indicator of a worn outer cv or if you hear that during regular driving. Id replace a axle at any tearing or clear signs of wear. Having your axle lock up on you on the high way will cost you a lot more then new axles.