Parts for your 2017 Subaru Exiga-Wheel hubs

2017 Subaru Exiga Wheel Hubs

Wheel hubs are absolutely fitted to the 2017 Subaru Exiga. This is backed by the Subaru Exiga YA-series service manual (covering the 2015–2018 facelift models), the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue, and major aftermarket catalogues from brands like NTN/NSK and SKF, all of which list bolt-on hub unit bearings with integrated ABS encoder rings for both front and rear positions on the Exiga.

On this model, the wheel hub is a sealed, bolt-on assembly that locates the wheel, supports vehicle load, and allows the wheel to rotate smoothly via the integrated bearing. It also houses the magnetic encoder for the ABS/Vehicle Dynamics Control system, so a worn hub can affect braking stability as well as ride comfort. Being sealed, the hub unit is not serviceable in the traditional sense—there’s no greasing or bearing adjustment—so when wear sets in, the complete hub assembly is replaced.

As part of routine servicing on a 2017 Subaru Exiga, a quick hub health check is smart practice. A technician will road-test for a speed-related hum or drone that changes when cornering, then raise the vehicle to feel for play with the tyre rocked at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions. They’ll also spin the wheel for roughness and check for ABS faults, because a failing encoder can trigger warning lights.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, lifespan varies with kilometres travelled, road quality, tyre size, and how often the car meets potholes or kerbs. Many owners see 120,000–200,000 km before the first hub shows wear. If replacement’s needed, quality OEM-equivalent hub units are the go. The Exiga’s hubs are bolt-in types, so no bearing press is required, but there’s still a bit of know-how involved: correct axle-nut torque, careful ABS sensor handling, and de-rusting the knuckle face so the new hub sits dead flat. It’s wise to recheck torque after a short shakedown and, if the steering wheel was disturbed or there was uneven tyre wear beforehand, consider a wheel alignment.

• Common symptoms of a failing hub on a 2017 Exiga:
  • Humming or growling noise that gets louder with speed
  • Play or vibration felt through the steering
  • ABS light or intermittent stability control intervention

Popular questions about 2017 Subaru Exiga wheel hubs

How can someone tell which wheel hub is noisy on a 2017 Exiga?
A road test is the first clue—drone that gets louder when loading one side (gentle lane change) often points to the opposite side hub. On a hoist, spinning each wheel while listening with a mechanic’s stethoscope helps pinpoint the loud bearing. Checking for play at the wheel and reading ABS data for a noisy encoder signal can confirm it.

Is it safe to keep driving with a humming wheel hub?
It’s not recommended. Noise usually means internal wear, which can worsen quickly. On the Exiga, the ABS encoder is part of the hub, so a failing hub can also upset stability control. Short trips to a workshop are generally fine, but planning prompt replacement is the safest bet.

Do wheel hubs need special tools on the Exiga?
They’re bolt-on units, so a press isn’t required. Expect to use a breaker bar, torque wrench, and possibly hub puller gear if there’s corrosion. Follow factory torque specs for the axle nut and hub bolts, and take care with the ABS sensor routing when refitting.