Parts for your 2006 Subaru Impreza-Oil pump

2006 Subaru Impreza oil pump — what it is, what it does, and when to sort it

Technical sources confirm the 2006 Subaru Impreza absolutely uses an engine oil pump. The Subaru factory service manual for the 2006 Impreza (Engine Lubrication/LU section, available via Subaru’s Technical Information System) details oil pump removal, inspection and installation. Subaru’s Electronic Parts Catalogue likewise lists an “Oil Pump Assy” for 2006 Impreza models (commonly in the 15010AA3xx family, pump sizes vary by engine). These references make it clear the oil pump is a standard, front-mounted, crankshaft-driven gerotor/trochoid unit on EJ-series engines (EJ253, EJ255/257 in WRX/STI).

For this model, the oil pump’s job is simple but critical: pull oil from the sump, pressurise it, and feed it through galleries to bearings, camshafts and turbo (where fitted). It keeps friction down, carries heat away, and helps the engine last the distance.

While the pump itself is robust, age, high kilometres, seal hardening, or debris can reduce pressure. Many owners get the pump checked whenever the timing belt is off, because the pump sits behind the crank sprocket. On Aussie and Kiwi vehicles that’s typically around the timing belt interval, and it’s a perfect time to reseal or replace the pump if needed without doubling up on labour.

• Common signs of trouble: low oil pressure warning at idle, rattly cold starts, ticking lifters, or fresh oil weeping at the pump-to-block joint.
• Good practice during servicing: inspect the pump cover for scoring, verify rotor clearance, replace the pump O-ring, reseal the housing with the correct anaerobic sealant, and fit a new front crank seal.
• Turbo models: double-check the correct pump size by VIN