How to Install a Tow Hook on Subaru WRX and BRZ
By Custom Shift Knobs & Interior Mods | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to install a front tow hook on your Subaru WRX or BRZ, including location, torque specs, and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick Answer
To install a tow hook on your Subaru WRX or BRZ, locate the factory tow hook point, remove the cover, thread the hook in by hand, and tighten it to the recommended torque. The whole job takes about 10 minutes with basic hand tools.
Why a Tow Hook Is More Than a Style Accent
A front tow hook serves a practical purpose beyond its motorsport look. If your car needs to be winched onto a flatbed or pulled out of a ditch, a proper tow hook gives recovery crews a safe, factory-designed attachment point. It also provides a convenient tie-down point when loading your car onto a trailer for track days.
Billetworkz tow hooks are CNC machined from premium materials and made in the USA, so they're built to handle light-duty towing and recovery without bending or snapping. That said, they're not rated for heavy off-road recovery or towing another vehicle. For track use and flatbed loading, they're exactly what you need.
Choosing the Right Tow Hook for Your Subaru
Before you start, make sure you have the correct tow hook for your model. Billetworkz offers specific hooks for the Subaru WRX 2022+, the WRX/STI 2018–2021, and the BRZ/FR-S/86 2013–2021. While the installation process is similar across models, the thread pitch and location can differ, so using the right part is critical.
You'll also need to decide on the tow hook location (front or rear) and color. Most enthusiasts install the front hook for track days and visual flair, but a rear hook can be useful for loading onto a trailer. Pick a color that complements your car's exterior—Billetworkz offers several options to match your style.
Step-by-Step Tow Hook Installation
- Gather Tools and Safety Gear: You'll need the tow hook, a 19mm socket or wrench (or the included hex key), and a torque wrench. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Check that the tow hook thread matches your car's thread pitch before starting.
- Locate the Factory Tow Hook Point: On most Subaru WRX and BRZ models, the front tow hook point is behind a small plastic cover on the front bumper. Look for a rectangular or circular cutout. On some models, the rear hook point is under the rear bumper. Consult your owner's manual if you're unsure. Don't force the cover—use a trim tool or flathead screwdriver wrapped in tape to avoid scratching the paint.
- Remove the Cover: Gently pry the cover off using a trim removal tool or a flathead screwdriver wrapped in tape. Set it aside in a safe place. Some covers are held by clips; apply steady pressure to avoid breaking them. If the cover is stubborn, try pushing inward on one edge to release the clip before prying.
- Thread the Tow Hook by Hand: Insert the tow hook into the threaded hole and turn it clockwise by hand until it's fully seated. Do not use a wrench yet—hand-threading ensures you don't cross-thread the hole. The hook should thread in smoothly without resistance. If you feel resistance, stop and back it out. Re-align the threads and try again. Cross-threading can damage the hole.
- Tighten to Spec: Use a torque wrench to tighten the tow hook to the manufacturer's recommended torque. For most Billetworkz hooks, that's around 40-50 ft-lbs, but check the included instructions for the exact value. Over-tightening can strip the threads or damage the mounting point. If you don't have a torque wrench, tighten it snugly with a breaker bar, but avoid excessive force.
- Reinstall the Cover (If Applicable): If your tow hook is a temporary install, snap the cover back into place. If it's a permanent install, you can leave the cover off or modify it to fit around the hook. Some owners choose to cut a notch in the cover for a cleaner look. If you cut the cover, sand the edges to avoid sharp plastic that could scratch the hook or bumper.
Tow Hook Options for Your Subaru
- Billetworkz Tow Hook – Subaru WRX 2022+: Billetworkz Tow Hook for Subaru WRX 2022+ is precision CNC machined from premium materials and made in the USA. This hook is designed to fit the 2022+ WRX perfectly, ensuring a secure fit and reliable performance for track days and flatbed loading.
Billetworkz Tow Hook – Subaru WRX 2022+ - Billetworkz Tow Hook – Subaru WRX / STI 2018–2021: Billetworkz Tow Hook for Subaru WRX/STI 2018–2021 is built with the quality and attention to detail enthusiasts expect. If you own a 2018–2021 WRX or STI, this hook is engineered to match your car's specific mounting point, so installation is straightforward.
Billetworkz Tow Hook – Subaru WRX / STI 2018–2021 - Billetworkz Tow Hook – BRZ / FR-S / 86 2013–2021: Billetworkz Tow Hook for BRZ/FR-S/86 2013–2021 is designed to add a bold, motorsport-inspired accent while providing a durable solution for light-duty applications. For BRZ or 86 owners, this hook gives you the same track-ready functionality with a fit tailored to your chassis.
