Parts for your 2015 Subaru Exiga-Strut mounts

2015 Subaru Exiga strut mounts — purpose, maintenance and replacement

Strut mounts are relevant to the 2015 Subaru Exiga. Subaru’s technical literature for the YA-series Exiga (including 2015 and the Crossover 7 variant) specifies MacPherson strut front suspension with a dedicated strut top mount/insulator, and a rear double-wishbone arrangement that uses separate shock absorber mounts rather than strut mounts. Factory service manuals and Subaru parts catalogues list the front “strut top mount/insulator” as a serviceable component.

On the front of a 2015 Exiga, the strut mount sits at the top of the MacPherson strut, tying the suspension to the body. It carries vehicle weight, allows the strut to turn with the steering, and isolates vibration with a rubber insulator (often with an integrated bearing). When healthy, it keeps the steering feel tidy and the cabin quiet, when worn, it can make the car feel crashy or vague.

Common signs it’s time to replace the front strut mounts include:

• Clunks or knocks over bumps, especially at low speeds
• Creaking or groaning while turning the wheel
• Steering that won’t self-centre cleanly or feels notchy
• Uneven tyre wear or a floating, imprecise front end

There’s no fixed kilometre interval, but many Exiga owners see mounts start to tire somewhere between 100,000–160,000 km, sooner if the car faces rough roads or heavy loads. If struts are being replaced, it’s sensible to renew the mounts at the same time — the labour overlaps, and fresh mounts protect your new dampers.

When servicing, a technician should inspect the rubber insulator for cracking, check the bearing for smooth rotation, and look for any witness marks showing the mount has been bottoming out. If replacement’s due, always do both front sides together to keep handling balanced. Quality aftermarket or genuine mounts both work well, just match them to the correct Exiga variant (engine and trim) to ensure bearing and insulator specs are right. After any front mount or strut work, a wheel alignment is a must. It’ll keep steering straight and tyres wearing evenly.

Driving with a failing mount isn’t ideal. Beyond the noise, it can affect braking stability and steering precision. If the car’s loaded up with family and gear — as Exigas often are — it pays to keep those front mounts in top nick for safety and comfort.

Popular questions about 2015 Subaru Exiga strut mounts

How long do the front strut mounts typically last?
In normal Aussie and Kiwi conditions, many Exiga front mounts last 100,000–160,000 km. Road quality, load, and climate matter. If you’re replacing front struts around that range, it’s smart to replace mounts too to avoid doing the job twice.

Can they drive with a noisy strut mount?
It’ll usually still drive, but it’s not recommended for long. A worn mount can worsen steering feel, add braking shimmy, and accelerate tyre wear. Best to book it in and sort it before it becomes a bigger issue.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing strut mounts?
Yes. Any time the front struts or mounts are disturbed, alignment should be checked and adjusted. It keeps the Exiga tracking straight and protects those tyres.