Parts for your 2017 Subaru Exiga-Wheel bearings

2017 Subaru Exiga wheel bearings — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, wheel bearings are absolutely fitted to the 2017 Subaru Exiga (including the Crossover 7). Technical references such as the Subaru Exiga/YA-series service manual (Front/Rear Axle and Suspension sections) and Subaru’s FAST electronic parts catalogue specify bolt-in hub unit bearings at all four corners. Industry catalogues from major bearing manufacturers also list sealed hub assemblies for this model, confirming that wheel bearings are a standard, essential component.

On the 2017 Exiga, the wheel bearings are integrated, sealed hub units. Their job is to let each wheel spin smoothly with minimal friction while carrying the vehicle’s weight and cornering loads. They also help keep the ABS and stability control happy, as the tone ring or encoder for the wheel speed sensor often lives in or on the hub unit. When a bearing wears, the Exiga can develop a humming or growling road noise that gets louder with speed or when leaning the car in a turn. Left too long, play can develop, which affects tyre wear, braking feel, and safety.

Wheel bearings on this Subaru aren’t a scheduled service item, they’re replaced on condition. Good workshop practice is to check for: (1) rumbling noises that change with speed, (2) roughness when spinning a raised wheel, (3) play at the 12-and-6 o’clock shake test, and (4) ABS faults related to the hub encoder. If there’s any doubt, a road test and a chassis-ear or NVH check can pinpoint the noisy corner.

Replacement is straightforward compared with old press-in styles, as the Exiga uses bolt-on hub units. A quality aftermarket or genuine hub assembly is fitted, the mating face cleaned, and fasteners torqued to spec. The axle nut must be renewed and correctly staked, and the wheel speed sensor kept clean and aligned. While DIY is possible for experienced owners, most will prefer a workshop with the right torque tools and rust-busting know-how, especially on high‑km cars.

To extend bearing life, avoid directing high-pressure washers at the hub area, keep tyres balanced and aligned, and replace damaged wheel seals promptly. Many Exiga owners see well over 100,000 km from a set, but rough roads, heavy loads, and water ingress can shorten that.

• Common symptoms: humming/rumbling, ABS light, uneven tyre wear, steering vibration
• Best fix: replace the affected hub assembly, not just the bearing
• Tip: always road test after replacement to confirm noise is gone

Popular questions

How can they tell which Exiga wheel bearing is noisy?
A technician will road test and listen for a speed-related hum that changes when the car is gently steered left or right. They’ll then raise the vehicle, spin each wheel by hand, and check for roughness or play. If needed, a chassis-ear microphone set or NVH tool is used to isolate the exact hub.

Do the Exiga’s wheel bearings come with ABS components?
Yes. The Exiga’s sealed hub units typically incorporate the encoder or tone ring used by the wheel speed sensor. That’s why careful handling during installation is important, and why a failing bearing can sometimes trigger an ABS or stability control warning.

Is pressing required, or is it a bolt-on hub?
For the 2017 Exiga/YA series, the design is a bolt-on hub unit at each corner. No pressing-in of separate bearings is required, the complete hub assembly is replaced, the mounting face cleaned, and all fasteners torqued to the Subaru spec.