Parts for your 2018 Subaru Impreza-Strut mounts

2018 Subaru Impreza strut-mounts

Drawing on Subaru’s factory service information for the 2017–2019 Impreza (GK/GT) front suspension, the Subaru Technical Information System, and mainstream OEM/aftermarket catalogues used in workshops (Subaru Genuine Parts, KYB, Monroe), the 2018 Subaru Impreza runs MacPherson struts at the front, which means it definitely uses front strut mounts with an integrated bearing. The rear is a double-wishbone arrangement with a separate shock and spring, so there isn’t a rear “strut mount” in the strict sense—just upper shock mounts. In short: front strut-mounts are relevant and fitted on this model.

On the 2018 Impreza, the front strut-mounts do two big jobs: they isolate road vibration and noise from the body, and they allow the strut to pivot smoothly when the steering turns. Inside the mount is a rubber insulator to keep things comfy, plus a bearing so the strut can rotate without binding. When these mounts wear out, drivers tend to notice dull clunks over bumps, a knock on full lock, or steering that feels notchy coming back to centre. Tyre wear can creep in too if the top mount isn’t keeping geometry steady.

There isn’t much to “service” on a strut-mount as such, but it’s smart to inspect them whenever the front suspension is apart, and especially when fitting new struts or springs. Most workshops in Australia and New Zealand recommend replacing the mounts at the same time as the front struts around the 80,000–120,000 km mark, or earlier if the car does heaps of corrugated roads or carries extra weight. Doing both together saves labour and avoids refitting a tired mount onto a fresh damper.

Good practice on the 2018 Impreza is to replace front mounts in pairs, use quality OE-equivalent parts, and ensure the bearing cap and locator tabs are oriented correctly during assembly. Torque the top nut and strut-to-knuckle fasteners to spec, then get a proper wheel alignment—removing the strut can nudge camber or toe, and fresh mounts can slightly alter ride height and steering feel. While up front, it’s worth a look at the sway bar links and lower control arm bushes, as worn components can mimic mount noises.

• Tell-tales: clunks over speed humps, steering shudder at parking speeds, visible rubber cracking, or rust/delamination at the mount plate.
• Aftercare: recheck fasteners after a few hundred kilometres and keep an ear out for new noises as the mounts bed in.

FAQs

Does the 2018 Impreza have strut-mounts front and rear?
It has strut-mounts at the front because it uses MacPherson struts. The rear is a double-wishbone setup with separate shocks, so it uses upper shock mounts rather than strut-mounts.

How long do front strut-mounts last on a 2018 Impreza?
Many see 80,000–150,000 km depending on road conditions and load. Replace earlier if there’s clunking, cracked rubber, steering that binds or won’t self-centre, or when fitting new front struts.

Do you need an alignment after replacing strut-mounts?
Yes—recommended. Removing the front struts can shift camber and toe slightly. A post-job alignment keeps tyre wear in check and the car tracking straight.