Parts for your 2017 Subaru Legacy-Strut mounts

2017 Subaru Legacy strut mounts: what they do and when to replace

Based on the Subaru factory service manual for the 2015–2019 Legacy/Outback platform (Front Suspension section via Subaru Technical Information System) and the 2017 Legacy Owner’s Manual specifications, this model runs a MacPherson strut front suspension with an upper strut mount and bearing. The rear is a double-wishbone layout with a separate shock and spring, so there’s no rear “strut mount” in the strict sense. That means strut mounts are absolutely relevant to the front of a 2017 Subaru Legacy.

The front strut mounts (also called the insulator and bearing assembly) connect the top of each front strut to the body. They cushion bumps and road harshness, keep noise and vibration out of the cabin, and allow smooth steering rotation through the integrated bearing. When these mounts wear, the car can feel crashy over potholes, make clunks or creaks at low speed, and develop vague or sticky steering on return-to-centre.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the front strut mounts whenever front dampers, springs, or sway bar links are checked. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions—think coarse-chip seal, corrugations, and urban speed humps—front mounts commonly age out around 100,000–160,000 km, or sooner if the car tackles rough roads or carries extra weight.

• Typical symptoms: knocking over sharp bumps, a groan or creak when turning at parking speeds, front-end shimmy, steering that doesn’t self-centre cleanly, or uneven tyre wear.
• Service tips: replace mounts in pairs with quality OE or equivalent units, renew the bearing if it’s separate, use new top nuts, and always book a wheel alignment after front strut removal.
• Safety: compressed springs store serious energy—use a proper spring compressor and follow service manual torque specs.

Best practice is to fit new strut mounts whenever front struts are replaced. Fresh mounts restore NVH isolation and steering precision, and they protect new dampers from premature wear. Technicians should check for perished rubber, cracked housings, loose centre studs, or rough/loose bearings. A tidy front end with healthy mounts makes the Legacy feel settled, quiet, and confident across patchy bitumen and wet chip—exactly what owners expect from a well-sorted Subaru.

Do the 2017 Legacy’s rear shocks use strut mounts?

No. The rear is a double-wishbone setup with a separate shock and spring. It uses upper shock mounts/insulators rather than strut mounts. Different part, different job, and not interchangeable with the front.

How long do front strut mounts last on a 2017 Legacy?

Many go 100,000–160,000 km, but life varies with roads, loads, and climate. If there’s noise over bumps or steering feels notchy, inspection is due regardless of kilometres.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing front strut mounts?

Yes. Disturbing the strut assembly affects camber and toe. A post-job alignment protects tyres and ensures the Legacy tracks straight and feels right at the wheel.