Video Transcript for Trailer Hitch Installation - 2007 Subaru Impreza - Curt

Today on our 2007 Subaru Impreza, we'll be installing the Curt Hitch, part number C11318. This is what our hitch will look like once it's installed. Next, we'll go ahead and give you a couple measurements to assist you in selecting accessories for your new hitch. From the center of the hitch pin hole to the outermost edge of the bumper is 5". From the top of the receiver tube opening to the ground is 10". This will assist you in selecting accessories such as a bike rack or cargo carrier.

Now we'll go ahead with installation. Before we can install the hitch, we'll first need to go ahead and remove the tow hooks on either side. Here on the driver's side, we'll need to remove the exhaust bracket also. To remove the exhaust bracket, we'll first take the bolt that goes through the rubber hanger. Now to give us a little more working room, because of the size of the after-market exhaust, we're going to go ahead and put a safety strap underneath the exhaust, and then remove the forward and inner muffler hangers.

First we'll spray them with some spray lubricant, and then use our pry bar or pliers to remove the rubber isolators. Then we'll remove the two frame fasteners. Note the frame fasteners will be reused so we'll hang onto them. We can go ahead and remove the tow hook here on the driver's side. There are a total of two frame fasteners, which we'll go ahead and remove now, then the two side support fasteners.

The support fasteners and tow hook will be set aside, as they will not be reinstalled. Next, we'll move over to the passenger side, where we'll need to remove the tow hook. There's a support fastener to be removed, and then two frame fasteners. Once again, the frame fasteners will get reused, so we'll hang onto that hardware; however, the tow hook will not. Now we can go ahead and point out the attachment points.

We'll go ahead and repeat this same process for the opposite side. Now with the tow hooks removed on both sides, we're ready to go ahead and install the hitch. We'll raise the hitch up over the exhaust, and then bring the passenger side up into position, reinstalling the manufacturer's hardware. Note the side plate and cross tube can come into contact with the rear fascia, so we'll go ahead and use a paint marker, mark out the area, and then use a rotary tool to lightly trim the fascia as necessary for the hitch to fit flat against the frame and line up with the weld nuts in the frame. Now with that section cut out, we'll go ahead and line the hitch up with the weld nuts and install the hardware. Now with all the hitch hardware installed, we'll go ahead and tighten it down and torque to specifications. Next, we'll go ahead and install the new hardware to secure the outside exhaust hanger. This will be a bolt, three flat washers, and a flange nut. The bolt and flat washer will then go through the hitch. We'll install a second flat washer, putting the hanger through the bolt, installing a third washer, and then our flange nut to secure it. Now with our hanger in place, we'll go ahead and tighten it down. Note, on this application, the after-market exhaust is larger than the manufacturer's, and we'll need to purchase two longer after-market hangers so that the inside and forward exhaust hangers will reach the muffler. And that will complete the install of our Curt Hitch, part number C11318, on our 2007 Subaru Impreza.