Parts for your 2016 Subaru Forester-Wheel hubs

2016 Subaru Forester wheel hubs — what they do and when to replace them

Wheel hubs are absolutely fitted to the 2016 Subaru Forester (SJ series). The Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2014–2018 Forester (SJ) details bolt-on hub unit bearings at all four corners in the Front Axle/Rear Axle sections, and the Subaru parts catalogue for the same model years lists complete hub and bearing assemblies front and rear. These sealed hub units also interface with the ABS via an integrated tone ring. So, wheel hubs are very much relevant to this vehicle.

On the 2016 Forester, each hub assembly supports the wheel, keeps it rotating smoothly on sealed bearings, carries the wheel studs, and mates to the steering knuckle or rear trailing assembly. Because they’re sealed, they don’t need greasing, instead, they’re a replace-when-worn component. That sealed design is great for reliability, but once a bearing starts to fail, the fix is to swap the whole hub unit.

Owners in Australia and New Zealand will often notice early signs on long motorway runs or rough, corrugated roads. Typical clues include a steady hum or growl that rises with road speed, a rhythmic droning in sweeping corners, or a faint ABS light if the tone ring signal gets noisy. After a drive, a failing corner may feel hotter than the others. During servicing, a quick check for play at 12 and 6 o’clock and a spin test can help catch issues before they get loud.

• There’s no set replacement interval. Inspect hubs whenever tyres are rotated, brakes are serviced, or if any noise or vibration appears.
• Use quality hub assemblies, cheap units can be noisy or short-lived.
• The axle nut torque is critical for bearing life, always use the factory spec and a new nut if the manual calls for it.
• Hubs are bolt-in on the SJ Forester, but they can seize to the knuckle. Penetrant, patience, and correct pullers help, avoid hammering across the ABS tone ring.
• An alignment usually isn’t required unless suspension geometry is disturbed, but it’s smart to check if you’ve been chasing tyre wear or vibration.

If one hub fails, it’s fine to replace just that side. That said, high kilometres, beach work, river crossings, and rough rural driving can age both sides similarly, so a mechanic may recommend doing the opposite corner if there’s any hint of noise.

Popular questions about 2016 Subaru Forester wheel hubs

What are the common symptoms of a failing hub on a 2016 Forester?
A rising-speed hum or growl that doesn’t change with engine revs, a drone that gets louder turning one way, slight steering wheel vibration, or play felt when rocking the wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock. In some cases, the ABS light may appear if the tone ring signal degrades.

Can the bearings be serviced, or do the hubs need full replacement?
They’re sealed hub unit bearings, so there’s no greasing or adjustment. When worn or noisy, the correct fix is to replace the entire hub assembly.

Is it safe to keep driving with a noisy wheel hub?
It’s risky. Noise usually means the bearing is wearing quickly, heat and play can increase, affecting braking and tyre wear. Short trips to a workshop are typically fine, but book repair sooner rather than later.