Your Selected Vehicle
Parts for your 2014 Subaru Impreza-Wheel hubs
Explore 4WD & Adventure
2014 Subaru Impreza Wheel-Hubs: What They Do and When To Replace
Technical sources confirm wheel-hubs are fitted to the 2014 Subaru Impreza. The Subaru Factory Service Manual (2014 Impreza, Front/Rear Axle sections) details hub unit inspection and replacement, and the Subaru FAST parts catalogue lists front and rear hub unit assemblies with integrated bearings and ABS encoder rings for this model. Industry repair guides (e.g., Haynes/Autodata) also specify hub-unit service procedures for 2012–2016 Impreza platforms.
On a 2014 Subaru Impreza, each wheel runs on a sealed hub and bearing assembly that bolts to the steering knuckle (front) or rear knuckle. The hub carries the wheel studs, supports the vehicle’s weight through the bearing, and keeps everything rotating smoothly. It also houses the magnetic encoder ring the ABS and stability control rely on, so a healthy hub helps both ride quality and safety tech work as they should.
Because the hubs are a sealed unit, there’s no greasing or adjustment to do. Good servicing is about smart checks: listen for a low growl that rises with speed, feel for roughness when the wheel is spun off the ground, and check for play by rocking the wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock. Inspect the ABS sensor and wiring near the hub, look for rusty mating faces, and make sure the wheel studs and nuts are tidy. Always torque the wheel nuts correctly (don’t rely on a rattle gun) and avoid blasting the hub area with a pressure washer.
Replacement is straightforward but precise. Use quality hub units, clean the knuckle face until it’s spotless, and lightly smear anti-seize on the flange to combat corrosion. Protect the ABS sensor, use new fasteners and axle nut/cotter where specified, and torque everything to the factory spec from the Subaru manual. A wheel alignment usually isn’t needed for hub-only work, but if any suspension was disturbed, have it checked. After fitting, road-test, confirm the ABS light stays out, and recheck wheel-nut torque after 50–100 km.
Common signs it’s time include humming or rumbling that changes when cornering, vague steering feel, ABS warnings, or detectable wheel play. Driving on a failing hub can escalate to uneven tyre wear or compromised braking and stability control, so it’s worth sorting early. As a rule of thumb, have hubs inspected at each service (around every 10–15,000 km) and especially before long trips.
- Tip: Replace only the faulty side, but on high-kilometre cars many owners choose to do both fronts or both rears together for peace of mind.
Popular questions about 2014 Subaru Impreza wheel-hubs
What are the tell-tale signs my hub is failing?
Most drivers notice a steady humming or growling that gets louder with speed and often changes when turning left or right. You might also feel a light vibration, see an ABS/traction light if the encoder signal is dodgy, or notice play when rocking the wheel by hand. Any of these are a good cue to book an inspection.
Do replacement hubs include the bearing and ABS ring?
Yes. For the 2014 Impreza, the hub unit is supplied as a sealed assembly with the bearing pre-installed and an integrated ABS encoder ring. That’s why correct installation and torque are critical—there’s no way to re-pack or adjust it later.
Should both sides be replaced together?
It isn’t mandatory. If only one side is noisy, replacing that side is fine. That said, if the vehicle has high kilometres or both sides have similar wear history, many technicians suggest doing the pair on the same axle to save time and ensure balanced performance.