Parts for your 2014 Subaru Impreza-Oil seals

2014 Subaru Impreza oil-seals — what they do and when to replace them

Oil-seals are absolutely used on the 2014 Subaru Impreza. Technical references including the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the GP/GJ series with the FB20 engine, and the Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue, list multiple engine and driveline oil-seals such as front and rear crankshaft seals, camshaft seals, oil pump seal, and transmission/axle output shaft seals. Subaru’s service procedures also call out inspection and replacement of these seals when leakage is found, or during related repairs like timing/front cover work or gearbox removal.

On a 2014-subaru-impreza, oil-seals keep engine and transmission oil where it belongs while allowing rotating shafts to spin freely. They prevent drips on the driveway, protect belts and rubber from oil swell, and help maintain correct oil levels for good lubrication. Common seals on this model include the front and rear crankshaft oil-seals, camshaft seals, and transmission/axle seals on AWD variants.

They’re not a scheduled “replace-by-kilometres” item, but they should be checked at every service. Tell-tales include fresh oil weeping around the crank pulley area (front main), oil mist at the bellhousing joint (rear main), or oil inside the timing cover. Under the car, gear oil around axle stubs can point to transmission output seal leaks. It’s smart to confirm the source, as rocker cover gaskets or a weepy oil filter can mimic a front seal leak.

Best practice for 2014-subaru-impreza oil-seals replacement or maintenance:

• Inspect for leaks at each service, clean and recheck if the area is grimy.
• Rule out crankcase ventilation issues (stuck PCV can push seals to leak).
• Use quality, correct-spec seals, lightly oil the seal lip on installation.
• Install to the specified depth, protect the lip over keyways/splines, and torque related fasteners to spec.
• Consider proactive replacement when access is easy: front seal during timing/front cover work, rear main during clutch/gearbox removal.

Typical labour can range from about 1–2 hours for a front crank seal on some setups, to several hours for a rear main because the gearbox needs to come out. Left unattended, small weeps often become bigger leaks, risking belt contamination, misfires from oil in the timing area, or low oil levels. Keeping on top of seals helps the Impreza stay tidy, reliable, and ready for the next weekend’s k’s.

Popular questions about 2014 Subaru Impreza oil-seals

How can someone tell if the front crankshaft oil-seal is leaking on a 2014 Impreza?
They’ll usually see fresh oil around the crank pulley/harmonic balancer and lower timing cover, sometimes flicked onto the undertray. After cleaning the area, a quick drive and recheck helps confirm the source. It’s worth checking the rocker cover and oil filter first, as they can drip in the same area.

Should the rear main seal be replaced preventatively?
On this model, it’s commonly replaced when the gearbox is already out for a clutch or major transmission job, as access is the biggest cost. If it’s dry and there’s no oil at the bellhousing joint, it’s fine to leave it—but recheck at each service.

Are camshaft seals a common leak point on the FB20 engine?
They can leak with age or high kilometres, especially if crankcase pressure is elevated. While not as frequent as rocker cover gaskets, cam seals are worth inspecting whenever the front cover or timing components are accessed.