Parts for your 2012 Subaru Impreza-Wheel bearings

Wheel Bearings on the 2012 Subaru Impreza: What You Need to Know

The 2012 Subaru Impreza definitely comes equipped with wheel bearings, just like most modern passenger vehicles on the road. Wheel bearings are absolutely essential components that sit right inside the wheel hub assembly and allow the wheels to spin smoothly with minimal friction. If someone is wondering whether this car relies on wheel bearings, the answer is yes. Without them, the wheels wouldn't be able to rotate properly and the overall driving experience would suffer greatly.

So, what exactly do wheel bearings do for the 2012 Subaru Impreza? Well, think of them as the unsung heroes that make wheel rotation effortless. They support the weight of the vehicle and allow the wheels to turn with ease while handling the forces exerted during acceleration, braking and cornering. By minimising friction, they not only contribute to better efficiency but also reduce wear on other suspension components. The bearings are typically made from hardened steel and are precision-engineered to fit inside the wheel hub, enabling reliable and consistent performance.

For owners or enthusiasts interested in maintenance, keeping the wheel bearings in good nick is a must. Although these components are designed to last a long time, they don't last forever. Wheel bearings on a 2012 Impreza usually run smoothly for well over 100,000 kilometres but eventually, factors like rough roads, exposure to water, dirt ingress or neglect can cause them to wear out. When that happens, you might notice grumbling noises coming from the wheel area, uneven tyre wear, or a vague feeling of play in the steering.

Proper servicing of the wheel bearings usually means inspection during routine maintenance intervals. Subaru workshop manuals recommend checking wheel bearings for excessive play or roughness when the wheels are off the ground during tyre rotation or brake servicing. Sometimes wheel bearings can be packed with fresh grease and the seals renewed if they are the serviceable type, but more often they come as sealed units and the entire hub assembly needs to be replaced when worn.

Here are some tips on replacement and maintenance:

• Listen out for unusual sounds such as humming, grinding or clicking noises coming from the wheels at low speeds or while turning. These are common symptoms of failing wheel bearings.
• Pay attention to any roughness or looseness in the wheel when it's lifted off the ground. If you can wiggle the wheel back and forth and feel excessive play, it is likely that the bearing needs replacement.
• Always replace wheel bearings in pairs across the same axle to maintain consistent handling and balance.
• When fitting new wheel bearings, ensure that the correct tool is used to press them in evenly without damaging the races or seals.
• If your 2012 Subaru Impreza has sealed wheel bearing hubs, they're usually a cartridge style that comes pre-greased and sealed for life. This means you don't have to pack grease or do maintenance on them, just replace the whole assembly if needed.
• Keep an eye out for harsh driving conditions such as frequent water crossings or dirt roads, which can shorten bearing life.

Ignoring worn wheel bearings can lead to serious issues down the track. Besides annoying noises, failing bearings can cause vibrations, increased tyre wear and even impact braking performance. In the worst case, a bearing failure might result in the wheel seizing up or coming loose, which is a major safety hazard.

Fortunately, replacing wheel bearings on the 2012 Subaru Impreza is a job that a competent mechanic can handle without too much drama. It usually involves removing the wheel, brake caliper and rotor, then pressing out the old bearing and pressing in the new one or swapping the entire hub assembly. After replacement, it's important to torque everything to Subaru's specifications and make sure the wheel spins freely without any abnormal noise or play.

To keep your Subaru Impreza running smooth and safe, taking a little time to check and maintain those wheel bearings during regular service visits is well worth it. They might be out of sight and often out of mind, but these small parts play a big part in how your car drives every day.