Parts for your 2016 Subaru Exiga-Wheel bearings

2016 Subaru Exiga wheel bearings — what they do and when to replace them

Wheel bearings absolutely are fitted to the 2016 Subaru Exiga. Subaru’s Global Service Information for the YA/YB Exiga (MY2016) and the Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue both show sealed hub unit bearings on the front and rear. These are the familiar bolt-on hub assemblies with an integrated double-row bearing. OE technical data from common suppliers to Subaru (e.g. NTN/NSK/Koyo) also describes this hub-unit style for Subaru platforms of this era, confirming wheel bearings are relevant to this vehicle.

On the Exiga, the wheel bearings let each wheel spin smoothly while carrying the car’s weight and coping with cornering and braking loads. They keep everything running true, help the ABS and stability systems read wheel speed accurately (the encoder/reluctor is built into many hub units), and keep road noise down. Because they’re sealed, there’s no greasing or adjustment during regular servicing — when they wear out, the whole hub assembly is replaced.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: the hub unbolts from the knuckle at the front and the rear hub is similar. Expect to replace the axle nut (it’s usually a single-use, staked type) and torque everything to Subaru spec. The workshop will also check for any corrosion on the hub mating surfaces, confirm the ABS sensor is clean and correctly seated, and road-test for noise. After a hub swap, a quick wheel alignment check is a good shout, especially if suspension bolts were loosened.

Common signs it’s time to replace the Exiga’s wheel bearings include:

• A humming or growling that gets louder with road speed and often changes when gently swerving left/right.
• Play felt at the wheel when rocked at 12 and 6 o’clock, or a rough feel when spinning by hand.
• ABS or stability control warnings if the encoder ring or sensor signal is affected.
• Uneven tyre wear or heat around the hub after a drive.

There’s no set kilometre interval — many last well past 150,000 km — but Aussie and Kiwi conditions like corrugated gravel, frequent rain, coastal salt air, or deep water crossings can shorten life. Sensible habits help: avoid pressure-washing directly at the hub, torque wheel nuts correctly, and fix worn suspension bushes and tyres promptly. When it’s time to replace, quality OE or OE-equivalent hub units are worth it for longevity and quiet running.

Popular questions about 2016 Subaru Exiga wheel bearings

Do Exiga wheel bearings need greasing during a service?

No — the 2016 Exiga uses sealed hub unit bearings. They’re pre-greased for life and not serviceable. During routine servicing, a technician will simply check for noise, play and ABS faults rather than adding grease.

If wear is found, the fix is to replace the complete hub assembly. That approach restores the bearing, encoder and wheel studs in one go.

How long do Exiga wheel bearings usually last in Australia and New Zealand?

Plenty of owners see well over 150,000 km, but it depends on use. Rough roads, heavy loads, frequent water crossings and salty coastal environments can all bring the timeline forward.

Regular tyre rotations, correct wheel-nut torque and prompt suspension repairs help bearings live longer in local conditions.

What noise does a failing Exiga wheel bearing make?

Typically a low-pitch hum or growl that rises with speed. It may get louder when gently loading the suspect side in a lane change, then quieten when unloaded.

Left alone, it can progress to vibration, heat at the hub and ABS warnings. Replacement early on avoids collateral damage and keeps the ride quiet.