Finding the right 2017 subaru outback jack points is the first thing you need to do before you even think about grabbing your wrench or sliding under the chassis. Whether you're stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire or you're just trying to save a few bucks by changing your own oil in the driveway, knowing exactly where to place that jack is non-negotiable. If you get it wrong, you aren't just looking at a dented floor pan; you're looking at a serious safety hazard. Subarus are built tough, but they have specific spots designed to take the weight of the vehicle without folding like a piece of tin foil.
Locating the side pinch welds for emergency changes
If you're using the scissor jack that came with your car—usually tucked away in the trunk near the spare—you're going to be looking for the pinch welds. These are the most common 2017 subaru outback jack points for quick tire swaps. If you run your hand along the metal rail underneath the doors, you'll feel a thin, vertical strip of metal. This is the pinch weld.
On a 2017 Outback, Subaru made it pretty easy to find the exact spot. Look for two little notches or indentations in that metal strip. There's one set near the front wheel and another set near the rear wheel. You want to center the head of your jack right between those two notches. The jack that comes with the car actually has a slot in the top of it that fits perfectly over this ridge.
One thing to keep in mind: these pinch welds are strong enough to lift the car, but they aren't invincible. If you're using a heavy-duty floor jack instead of the factory scissor jack, it's a smart move to use a rubber jack pad or even a piece of wood. This prevents the metal-on-metal contact from bending the weld or scraping off the paint, which can lead to rust down the line. Nobody wants a rusty rocker panel just because they were too lazy to use a pad.
Using the front center lift point for maintenance
Now, if you're doing a "real" job like an oil change or swapping out your brake pads, you probably want to get the whole front end off the ground at once. Using the side 2017 subaru outback jack points one by one is a pain. Thankfully, the 2017 Outback has a central lift point in the front.
To find it, you'll need to look past the plastic splash shield. There's a sturdy metal crossmember (part of the subframe) located roughly in line with the front wheels, right behind the engine oil pan. It's a thick, solid piece of steel. You can put your floor jack right in the center of this crossmember to lift both front wheels simultaneously.
Wait, a word of caution here: Be absolutely sure you aren't jacking up the car by the oil pan or the transmission pan. They might look solid, but they will crack or cave in under the weight of the car, and that's an expensive mistake you don't want to make. The crossmember is distinctly "part of the frame" looking—it's beefy and tied directly into the structure of the car.
The rear differential lift point
When you need to get the back of the car up, the most reliable of the 2017 subaru outback jack points is the rear differential. It's that big "pumpkin" looking thing right between the rear wheels where the axles meet.
Subaru explicitly states in the service manual that you can lift from the bottom of the rear diff. It's a solid hunk of iron, so it can take the weight. However, just like with the front, you want to be careful. Don't let the jack slip onto the aluminum cover at the back of the differential. Aim for the main housing.
Once the rear is up, you've got plenty of room to slide your jack stands into place. Speaking of jack stands, let's talk about where those should actually go, because you should never work under a car that's only supported by a hydraulic jack.
Where to place your jack stands safely
Once you've used your primary 2017 subaru outback jack points to get the car in the air, you need to transition that weight onto jack stands. The best place for the stands is usually those same pinch welds we talked about earlier.
If you lifted the car from the front center crossmember, you can place a jack stand under the front side pinch welds. Once you slowly lower the jack, the car will settle onto the stands, and you'll have a stable platform. It's always a good idea to give the car a little "shake test" while it's on the stands—nothing crazy, just a firm nudge to make sure it isn't going anywhere before you crawl underneath it.
Safety tips you shouldn't ignore
It sounds like a "dad" lecture, but safety is everything when you're messing around with two tons of metal over your head. First off, always work on level ground. If your driveway has a slope, find a flat spot on the street or in the garage. A car shifting on a jack is a nightmare scenario.
Second, use wheel chocks. If you're lifting the front, put blocks behind the rear tires. If you're lifting the back, put them in front of the front tires. Even if the car is in "Park" with the emergency brake on, you want that extra bit of security.
Also, it's worth mentioning that the 2017 Outback has a decent amount of ground clearance, which can be a bit of a trick. You might think you have enough room to slide under without a jack, but once you start pulling on a stubborn bolt, you'll realize how cramped it actually is. Do yourself a favor and use the proper 2017 subaru outback jack points to give yourself the workspace you need.
Dealing with rusted or bent pinch welds
Since the 2017 Outback is getting a bit older, some of you might live in the salt belt where rust is a constant battle. If your pinch welds are looking a bit crusty, be extra careful. If the metal is flaky or thin, the pinch weld might not be the safest spot anymore.
In cases where the pinch welds are compromised, you can often use the sturdier parts of the frame rails further inboard. However, for most people, the factory-designated 2017 subaru outback jack points will still be your best bet as long as the car hasn't been sitting in a swamp for five years.
If you notice your pinch welds are starting to bend because a previous owner (or a lazy shop) used a floor jack without a pad, you can actually buy a "pinch weld block" that fits into the cup of your floor jack. It's basically a hard rubber puck with a groove cut out of it. It saves your car's bodywork and makes the whole process feel much more secure.
Wrapping things up
Taking care of your Outback is rewarding, and it's a car that can easily go for 200,000 miles if you treat it right. Knowing the 2017 subaru outback jack points is just one of those fundamental skills that makes ownership easier. Whether it's a quick rotation of the tires or a Sunday afternoon tinkering under the hood, doing it safely and correctly keeps both you and your Subaru on the road.
Just remember: double-check your placement, never trust a hydraulic jack alone, and always look for those little notches on the side rails. Once you've done it a couple of times, you'll be able to find those spots by feel. Stay safe out there and enjoy the DIY life!