Parts for your 2017 Subaru Outback-Wheel bearings

2017 Subaru Outback wheel bearings: what they do and when to replace them

Based on the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2015–2019 Outback (BS/BN platform) and the Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue, the 2017 Subaru Outback is fitted with sealed, bolt‑on wheel hub and bearing assemblies front and rear. These hub units include the wheel bearing and integrated ABS encoder, so wheel bearings are absolutely relevant to this model.

On the Outback, wheel bearings carry vehicle weight, keep the wheels rotating smoothly, and maintain precise alignment for braking and cornering. They also provide the signal for the ABS/vehicle dynamics system via an integrated encoder ring. Because they’re sealed hub units, there’s no greasing or adjustment during routine servicing—when a bearing wears out, the complete hub assembly is replaced.

Owners will usually first notice a worn bearing as a humming or droning that gets louder with road speed. It often changes pitch when gently weaving at highway speeds—load the noisy corner and it will typically get louder. Other clues include vague steering feel, uneven tyre wear, ABS warning lights, or play felt when rocking the wheel at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions.

Replacement on a 2017 Outback is straightforward for a trained tech: remove the caliper and rotor, unplug the ABS sensor, unstake and remove the axle nut, then unbolt the hub from the knuckle. In high‑kilometre or coastal cars, the hub can seize in the knuckle, expect penetrating oil, patience, or a hub puller. Always clean the mating surfaces, torque the new hub and axle nut to factory spec, and road test to confirm noise is gone and ABS operates correctly. If only the hub is changed and the knuckle stays put, a wheel alignment usually isn’t needed.

There’s no set replacement interval—many last well past 150,000 km—but harsh roads, water crossings, kerb knocks, and oversized tyres can shorten life. Replace the faulty side, doing both sides is optional and depends on kilometres and budget. During regular servicing, a quick road test for bearing noise and a wheel‑play check is well worth it. Genuine or quality OEM‑equivalent hub units are recommended to keep NVH low and ABS happy.

• Typical symptoms: speed‑related hum, droning in turns, ABS light, wheel play
• Service note: sealed unit—no greasing or adjustment, replace as an assembly
• Best practice: new axle nut, correct torque, clean mounting faces

Popular questions about 2017 Subaru Outback wheel bearings

Are the Outback’s wheel bearings serviceable or repackable?
No. The 2017 Outback uses sealed hub units. They’re not designed to be opened or repacked—when worn, the hub and bearing assembly is replaced as a unit. This design improves sealing and ABS accuracy while reducing routine maintenance.

How can someone tell if the noise is a wheel bearing and not tyres or a CV joint?
Bearings usually hum or drone and change with road speed, often getting louder when gently steering to load that corner. Tyre roar tends to be constant regardless of light steering inputs and may change after a tyre rotation. A failing outer CV joint typically clicks on tight turns under acceleration rather than hums in a straight line.

Do both sides need replacing at the same time?
Not necessarily. It’s common to replace only the noisy or loose side. If the vehicle has high kilometres or both sides show similar wear, doing them together can save a second visit, but it isn’t mandatory.