Parts for your 2019 Subaru Impreza-Wheel hubs

2019 Subaru Impreza wheel hubs: what they do and when to service them

Technical sources confirm the 2019 Subaru Impreza absolutely uses wheel hubs. The Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) service manual for 2019MY Impreza lists “Hub Unit Bearing” procedures in both Front Axle and Rear Axle sections, and the Subaru Genuine Parts Catalogue shows complete bolt-on hub and bearing assemblies with integrated wheel studs and ABS encoder functionality at all four corners. That makes wheel hubs directly relevant to the model.

On this Impreza, each hub unit carries the wheel, houses a sealed-for-life bearing, and provides the mounting for the brake rotor and wheel studs. It also works with the ABS/traction control system via an encoder ring and wheel speed sensor. Because these are sealed hub unit bearings, they’re not greased or rebuilt in service—when worn or noisy, the full assembly is replaced.

What’s the point? Smooth rotation, correct wheel alignment to the knuckle, and clean ABS signals—key for braking stability in a Symmetrical AWD Subaru. A healthy hub keeps tyres wearing evenly and stops that droning hum that rises with road speed.

• Common signs a hub is on the way out:
  • Droning or rumbling that changes with speed or when loading one side through a bend
  • ABS light, intermittent traction control intervention, or uneven/erratic wheel speed readings
  • Play felt at the wheel when checked at 12 and 6 o’clock (with vehicle securely lifted)
  • Heat at the hub after a short drive compared with the other side

For servicing, workshops typically inspect hub condition at routine intervals—especially once past higher kilometres or after pothole hits. Because these hubs are sealed, the focus is on checks and precise replacement when needed. Use quality hub assemblies suitable for the 2019 Impreza’s active ABS (wrong encoder type can trigger faults). Renew single‑use hardware such as axle nuts and hub bolts as specified in the Subaru manual, and always torque fasteners to manufacturer specs. Clean the knuckle and rotor mating faces to prevent runout, avoid lubricants on wheel studs, and torque wheel nuts evenly in a star pattern. An alignment generally isn’t required for hub-only work if strut-to-knuckle fasteners aren’t loosened, but it’s wise to verify steering feel and tyre wear afterwards.

1. Inspect for noise/play each service, sooner if there’s an ABS warning or impact damage.
2. Replace the faulty hub