Parts for your 2013 Subaru Exiga-Wheel hubs

2013 Subaru Exiga wheel hubs — what they do and how to look after them

Wheelhubs are absolutely used on the 2013 Subaru Exiga. This is confirmed by Subaru’s technical literature: the Subaru Global Service Manual for the YA Exiga (Front Axle and Rear Axle sections) specifies bolt-in hub unit bearings at all four corners, and the Subaru FAST parts catalogue for Exiga YA models lists complete front and rear hub assemblies with integrated bearings and ABS encoder rings. So they’re very much a relevant, standard part of the vehicle.

On this Exiga, each wheelhub is a sealed “hub unit bearing” that bolts to the steering knuckle (front) or rear housing. It carries the wheel studs, supports the vehicle’s weight via a precision double-row bearing, and keeps everything turning smoothly around the driveshafts on this Symmetrical AWD platform. The ABS/vehicle speed signal is read from an encoder in the hub, so a crook hub can trigger warning lights as well as noise or vibration.

Because these are sealed units, there’s no greasing or scheduled rebuild. They’re serviced by replacement when worn. Good hubs are quiet, keep the tyre running true, and protect CV joints and brakes from extra stress. When they start failing, drivers typically notice a steady humming or growling that changes with speed, a faint rumble while cornering, or an ABS light due to a dodgy encoder signal.

Practical tips for owners and workshops looking after a 2013 Subaru Exiga’s wheelhubs:

• Listen for speed-related humming that gets louder when loading one side in a gentle bend.
• With the wheel off the ground, check for play at 12 and 6 o’clock and feel for roughness while spinning.
• Keep wheel nuts torqued correctly — under- or over-tightening can shorten hub life.
• Avoid blasting the hub face and seals with a pressure washer or harsh solvents.
• During brake jobs, clean the hub face lightly so rotors sit flush and don’t introduce runout.

When replacement’s due, go for quality hub units that include the correct ABS encoder. It’s smart to replace the axle nut and any one-time-use bolts, and to follow the factory tightening and staking procedures from the Subaru service manual. If the knuckle is disturbed, a wheel alignment check helps keep tyres wearing evenly. In typical Aussie and Kiwi conditions, original hubs often run well past 100,000 km, but rough roads, potholes, and kerb hits can bring forward replacement. Keeping an ear out and addressing early symptoms will save tyres, brakes, and time at the workshop.

Popular questions about 2013 Subaru Exiga wheelhubs

What are the signs a 2013 Subaru Exiga wheelhub is failing?

Common clues include a steady humming or growling that rises with road speed, a rumble that changes while cornering, light steering vibration, uneven tyre wear, or an ABS light from a wonky encoder signal. A quick jack-up check for play or roughness while spinning the wheel helps confirm it.

Do Exiga wheelhubs need regular greasing or adjustment?

No. The 2013 Exiga uses sealed hub unit bearings that aren’t designed to be greased or adjusted. They’re replaced as complete assemblies when worn or noisy. Sticking to correct wheel nut torque and avoiding pressure washing at the seals will help them last longer.

Is it safe to keep driving with a noisy wheelhub?

It’s not recommended. Driving on a failing hub can worsen rapidly, affect braking and ABS performance, and chew out tyres. Book it in promptly, a timely hub swap is quicker and cheaper than dealing with collateral damage.