Parts for your 2009 Subaru Impreza-Wheel hubs

2009 Subaru Impreza wheel hubs — what they do and when to replace them

Based on the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2009 Impreza (Drive Shafts and Hubs section), Subaru parts catalogues listing bolt-in hub units front and rear, and common aftermarket catalogues from bearing manufacturers (e.g., SKF and NTN), the 2009 Subaru Impreza absolutely uses wheel hub assemblies. They’re a critical component on both front and rear corners of the car.

On this model, the wheel hub is the bit that the wheel bolts to via the studs. It houses a sealed bearing and, on ABS-equipped cars, an integrated magnetic encoder ring that the wheel speed sensor reads. Up front, the CV axle runs through the hub, and correct torque keeps the bearing preload spot on — important on any Subaru with all-wheel drive. The hub lets the wheel spin smoothly, keeps everything aligned, and transfers loads to the suspension without drama.

While the hub assemblies are sealed and largely maintenance-free, they do wear over time, especially with rough roads, oversized wheels, or water ingress. Tell-tale signs include:

• A humming or droning that rises with speed and often changes when cornering
• Play when rocking the wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock
• ABS light or pulsing due to a damaged encoder ring
• Uneven or feathered tyre wear and vague steering feel

Good habits help hubs last: torque wheel nuts correctly, avoid kerb strikes, keep the hubs and knuckles free of rust build-up, and replace bent or stretched wheel studs promptly. During services, a quick spin-and-listen check on each corner, plus a feel for roughness or notchiness, is time well spent.

When replacement is needed, go for quality hub units that meet OEM spec and come with new mounting bolts and a fresh axle nut. Confirm the noisy side with a road test and a safe on-hoist check. On installation, clean the knuckle face so the hub seats flat, set the ABS sensor gap as specified, and torque the axle nut and wheel nuts to factory values. Avoid hammering through the bearing — use the correct tools so load goes through the hub flange, not across the races. After fitting, a short road test to verify ABS operation and noise-free running is a must. If the old hub was badly worn, a wheel alignment check is a smart add-on to keep the Impreza tracking straight and tyres wearing evenly.

Popular questions about 2009 Subaru Impreza wheel hubs

How long do wheel hubs typically last on a 2009 Impreza?
With normal driving, many see well over 120,000–160,000 kilometres. Harsh roads, frequent water crossings, heavy wheels, or incorrect torque on the axle and wheel nuts can shorten that span. Regular checks during servicing help catch early noise or play before it worsens.

Can a home mechanic replace a wheel hub on this model?
Yes, if they have solid tools, a torque wrench, and safe lifting gear. The job is bolt-in rather than press-in on this generation, but seized bolts and axle splines can be stubborn. If ABS sensors are brittle or corroded, budget time and care to avoid damage.

Do both hubs need replacing at the same time?
Not necessarily. Replace the faulty side first. If the opposite side shows similar mileage and symptoms, or if the vehicle has high kilometres on original hubs, doing both fronts or both rears can be cost-effective to avoid a second visit.