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Parts for your 2016 Subaru Outback-Exhaust mount
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2016 Subaru Outback exhaust mount: purpose, checks, and when to replace
Yes, the 2016 Subaru Outback does use exhaust mounts. Subaru’s factory service manual for the 2015–2019 Outback (BS) and the Genuine Subaru parts catalogue list several exhaust “insulators” (rubber hangers) and brackets supporting the front pipe, centre pipe and both rear mufflers. These rubber mounts are part of the standard exhaust system on both 2.5i and 3.6R variants and are also referenced across common OEM repair databases used by workshops. So an exhaust mount is absolutely relevant to this model.
The exhaust mounts’ job is to suspend the exhaust under the car while isolating vibration and heat from the body. By allowing a controlled bit of movement, the mounts keep the pipes and mufflers centred in their cut-outs, away from the subframe, heat shields and bumper, and help prevent droning and knocks over rough roads. They’re made from heat- and ozone-resistant rubber, but years of hot/cold cycles, road grime, and a few cheeky water crossings can harden or crack them.
Signs the Outback’s exhaust mounts are due for replacement:
- Rattles or clunks over bumps, especially from the rear
- Tailpipes sitting off-centre or lower than usual
- Vibration or droning at idle that wasn’t there before
- Visible cracking, glazing, or elongated holes in the rubber
- Burnt rubber smell after a long drive if the exhaust starts touching a shield
Service and replacement tips owners and techs actually use:
- Give the mounts a quick look every service (or ~20,000 km). A simple “tug test” on the mufflers can reveal a perished hanger.
- Replace suspect mounts in pairs on the same muffler to keep alignment tidy, OEM-spec rubber maintains factory NVH.
- Support the exhaust with a stand before popping mounts off. A dab of silicone spray helps slide them on and off the pegs cleanly.
- After fitting, check clearances all round and re-centre the mufflers. Don’t preload the system, it should hang naturally.
How long do they last? In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, five to ten years is common, but coastal cars or those that tow or see gravel corrugations can need mounts sooner. If there’s a persistent knock or sag at the back of a 2016 Outback, fresh exhaust mounts are a quick, affordable fix that restores refinement and keeps the pipework where Subaru intended.
Popular questions about 2016 Subaru Outback exhaust mounts
How many exhaust mounts does a 2016 Subaru Outback have?
Most BS-series Outbacks run several rubber insulators: typically two per rear muffler plus one or more along the centre/front sections. Depending on engine and exact trim, expect around six to eight mounts. A VIN-based parts diagram will confirm the exact count for the car in question.
Are polyurethane exhaust mounts a good idea on this model?
Polyurethane can add durability and reduce movement, useful for towing or rough tracks, but it can also raise NVH (more vibration and a firmer feel). For day-to-day road use, OEM rubber is usually the sweet spot for comfort and alignment, while keeping things factory-quiet.
How often should they be checked, and what might replacement cost?
Have them inspected at each regular service. Many owners get 5–10 years from the originals. Replacing a couple of perished mounts is generally a short job (often under an hour) plus the cost of the mounts themselves, making it one of the more affordable exhaust fixes.
