Parts for your 2011 Subaru Legacy-Exhaust mount

2011 Subaru Legacy exhaust mount — purpose, care and when to replace

Technical sources confirm exhaust mounts are very much used on the 2011 Subaru Legacy (BM/BR). The Subaru Legacy/Outback 2010–2014 Service Manual (Exhaust System section) details removal and installation steps that include taking the exhaust off the rubber hangers/insulators, and the Subaru genuine parts catalogue for MY2011 Legacy lists multiple “Hanger – Exhaust” insulators positioned at the front pipe, centre and rear mufflers. Exploded views in Subaru’s service literature (STIS) show several rubber mounts supporting the system along the underbody. So, for this model, an exhaust mount is relevant and fitted from factory.

On a 2011 Legacy, the exhaust mounts (also called exhaust hangers or insulators) are the small rubber bushes that suspend the exhaust from brackets on the body. Their job is to cushion vibration, keep the pipes and mufflers aligned, and allow a bit of movement as the system heats, cools and flexes on rough Kiwi and Aussie roads. When these rubbers harden, crack or stretch, the exhaust can sag, rattle against heat shields or the rear bumper, or transmit extra vibration into the cabin.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart for owners to have the mounts checked any time the car is up on a hoist. A quick look can save grief later, especially on vehicles that do a lot of short trips (more condensation and corrosion) or see gravel roads. Signs they’re due for replacement include:

• Visible cracking, splitting, or glazing of the rubber
• Elongated holes or excessive sag at the muffler tips
• Rattles or thuds over bumps, or a knock on start-up/shut-down
• Exhaust contacting a crossmember, shield, or the rear skirt

Replacement is straightforward for a qualified tech: safely support the exhaust with a jack or stand, spray the hangers with silicone lubricant, lever the old rubbers off the pins, and press on new ones. It’s good practice to replace mounts in pairs around the affected section and check nearby brackets for rust or loose fasteners. OE-style rubber hangers keep noise and harshness stock-smooth, firmer polyurethane options exist but can increase cabin buzz on some trims.

There’s no fixed kilometre interval — condition-based replacement works best. Many 2011 Legacys go 8–12 years before needing mounts, but coastal cars or those exposed to oil drips may need them sooner. After fitting, the exhaust should sit centred in the bumper cut-out with decent clearance all round, and there should be no metallic contact through its full movement.

Popular questions about 2011 Subaru Legacy exhaust mounts

How many exhaust mounts does a 2011 Subaru Legacy have?
Most 2011 Legacy (BM/BR) variants run about 4–6 rubber hanger insulators: typically one near the front pipe, one or two around the centre section, and two at the rear mufflers. Exact count varies by engine, transmission and market exhaust layout.

What are the common signs an exhaust mount needs replacing?
Common giveaways are muffler tips sitting low or off-centre, knocks over bumps, buzzing at idle, or visible cracks and stretched holes in the hangers. If the exhaust touches a heat shield or the rear skirt, the mounts are usually tired.

Can polyurethane mounts be used instead of rubber?
Yes, polyurethane hangers can add support and resist sagging, which some drivers prefer. However, they can also transmit a bit more vibration into the cabin compared with OE rubber, so most daily drivers stick with genuine or OE-equivalent rubber for best comfort.