Parts for your 2017 Subaru Impreza-Wheel bearings

2017 Subaru Impreza wheelbearings: what they do and when to replace them

Wheelbearings are absolutely fitted to the 2017 Subaru Impreza. According to Subaru factory service information for the 2017 Impreza (GK/GT platform) and the Subaru genuine parts catalogue used in AU/NZ, both the front and rear corners use sealed hub-unit wheelbearings. These are integrated hub assemblies with a double-row bearing and an ABS encoder ring, they bolt to the steering knuckle (front) and rear hub carrier. Major bearing manufacturers’ data for Subaru applications in this era also confirm sealed, non-serviceable hub units.

On a 2017subaruimpreza, the wheelbearings carry the vehicle’s weight, let the wheels spin freely, and keep everything aligned so the tyres wear evenly and the ABS/ESC systems get clean signals. Because they’re sealed, there’s no greasing or adjustment during routine servicing—maintenance is all about inspection and timely replacement if wear shows up.

As part of regular servicing, a technician will road test for a low droning or humming that rises with speed, especially around 40–80 km/h, then check for play or roughness with the wheel off the ground. They’ll also look for uneven tyre wear, heat discolouration, and any ABS warning if the encoder signal gets noisy.

• Typical signs a 2017subaruimpreza wheelbearing is on the way out:
  • Rumble that changes with road speed or when loading/unloading a corner
  • Notchy rotation or looseness when the wheel is spun by hand
  • ABS light or erratic speed readings (from a damaged encoder)
• Good practice when replacing:
  • Use quality hub units suited to the GK/GT Impreza with the correct ABS encoder
  • Replace the axle nut and torque to spec, recheck wheel nut torque after a short drive
  • Inspect the knuckle mating face for corrosion and clean before installation
  • After front hub work, get an alignment check if the knuckle bolts were disturbed

There’s no fixed replacement interval—many last well past 150,000 km—but Aussie and Kiwi conditions (coastal roads, water crossings, potholes) can shorten life. If one side fails on the rear, the other side may not be far behind, on the front, replace only the noisy side unless inspection suggests otherwise. Avoid pressure-washing directly at the hub area and keep tyre pressures spot on, both help bearings live longer.

Bottom line: the 2017subaruimpreza definitely uses sealed hub-unit wheelbearings, and while they’re low-maintenance, prompt replacement at the first signs of wear protects tyres, brakes, and driveline.

Popular questions about 2017subaruimpreza wheelbearings

Do all 2017 Subaru Imprezas have the same wheelbearings?

All 2017 Impreza variants in AU/NZ use sealed hub-unit bearings front and rear, but part numbers can differ between front and rear and by trim (e.g., ABS encoder direction). Always match by VIN to get the right hub assembly.

Can the wheelbearings on a 2017subaruimpreza be greased or adjusted?

No. They’re sealed, non-serviceable hub units. If a bearing is noisy or has play, the fix is to replace the complete hub assembly. Routine service is limited to inspection and correct torque of related fasteners.

How do you tell a wheelbearing noise from tyre or brake noise?

A worn wheelbearing usually makes a steady drone that rises with speed and often changes when gently swerving left-right to load/unload the suspect corner. Tyre roar tends to vary with road surface and doesn’t change much when you weave, brake noise is more tied to pedal application.