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Subaru Forester (up to 2005) - READ ONLY

18028 messages,  Last post on Nov 02, 2006 at 7:19 AM

You are in the Subaru Forester Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Wagon



Messages Page 475 of 1804

#4732 of 18028 Forester Rear Wheel Bearings by davidwatts

Feb 21, 2002 (1:20 pm)

Hello. I am brand new to this board so forgive me for being green.

I can't seem to find a SEARCH function for all past posts on this board. I am trying to find out how many others have had premature rear wheel bearing failure with the Forester.

I recently had to replace both rear bearing and hubs at a cost of almost $1,000 (1998 Forester 70K No Warrantee) and I am not a happy camper...... Especially since the small amount of research I have done on the Net reveals that I am far from being the only one. It seems that this can happen more than once and at these prices I am quite freaked about it
 
FYI this link was interesting
http://www.raindrop.com/subaru/wheelbearings.html

If anyone has anymore on this subject like more links, possible recalls in the making, or any other help I would greatly appreciate it. Thank You.

#4733 of 18028 by varmint

Feb 21, 2002 (1:47 pm)

Thanks Juice. I don't think it'll need to be taken up with SoA. She seems patient and doesn't mind getting the car fixed as long as it's done under warranty and she doesn't have to bring it back six times.

#4734 of 18028 Wheel hubs by ateixeira

Feb 21, 2002 (2:26 pm)

Cool, if she does get hassled, let her know we can pull strings for her.
 
Jim: it's not rare, but I wouldn't call it common, either. But at that mileage, it could have been from normal wear and tear.
 
It happened to our Mazda 626, with 71k miles, and I paid about $900 for just one hub/bearing replacement. Subaru's parts must be a lot cheaper than Mazda's, because you did two sides for about the same cost.
 
You could call 800-SUBARU3 and bring up the article. I'd be very surprised, but maybe they'll offer a partial reimbursement? I doubt it, but it's worth a shot.
 
The good news is that the 2002 Impreza went to a new hub design that is less susceptible to improper installation. I'd be willing to bet that the 2003 Forester gets the same new hub design.
 
-juice

#4735 of 18028 davidwatts re: rear wheel bearings by lark6

Feb 21, 2002 (2:28 pm)

Welcome. While most of us here like our Foresters not all of us have had completely happy experiences with them. I had the rear wheel bearings fail on my 2000 Forester at 8K miles, which were repaired under warranty. They failed again at 13K miles. Upon further investigation it was determined that the bearings were improperly installed by the service technician; specifically they were overtorqued. There is a Subaru technical service bulletin on this subject. I had the bearing replaced, again under warranty and under the supervision of SoA (I opened a case with them). I currently have 35,200 miles on the car and the bearings have not failed again...yet.
 
The wheel bearing problem has also struck owners of the last-generation (pre-2002) Imprezas, including the 2.5RS and Outback Sport. It is possible that the problem is inherent in the design of the bearings themselves. I cannot confirm if it's an authorized practice, but I have read of Impreza owners having those bearings replaced with Legacy bearings, which are of a different design. At any rate it is a known problem, and I'd recommend that you bring it SoA's attention if you haven't already.
 
Fortunately there is an SoA representative (Patti) who frequents the Subaru Crew boards and who has proven helpful to many of us, myself included. While you have already incurred out-of-pocket expenses it may still be possible to get some sort of resolution to the matter. (Edit: I see juice beat me to the punch, and much more informally .)
 
Good luck,
Ed

#4736 of 18028 Gas pump update by burnsmr4

Feb 21, 2002 (2:58 pm)

I got my car back after three days with only a few minor "shop grime" spots on the interior of the rear passenger-side door frame. I wish they'd Armor All or something if they get the interior trim dirty.
 
The problem was a faulty vent valve that goofed up the air pressure in the gas tank. Kept making the pump and the tank thinking the car was full of gas. The service director drove the car himself and paid cash out of pocket to fill up the car at a nearby station. Went full tilt on the pump handle without a hitch.
 
I'm gonna try putting in a little gas myself tomorrow -- haven't been able to because the tank is full. Pray for me.
 
I think my experience at the dealership was great. They were very nice, thorough, and didn't charge me a dime except for the gas I used in the rental. That was Enterprise, though. Nothing I could do about that.
 
I'm back in my nearly 2-week-old Forester S and ready for tomorrow evening's road trip. Wish me luck!

#4737 of 18028 by ateixeira

Feb 21, 2002 (3:09 pm)

Glad to hear that.
 
Coincidentally, I read that Hyundai had a recall for the same problem you had. You may want to report it to NHTSA just in case, so they have records.
 
-juice

#4738 of 18028 davidwatts by tidester

Feb 21, 2002 (3:11 pm)

Welcome to the Town Hall! You've already made your first post so you're about a third of the way to becoming a pro!
 
Our search function is basically broken. I am assured by Edmund's management that it will be fixed only I can't give you a date for that.
 
In the meantime, we're looking forward to hearing a lot more from you!
 
tidester
Host
SUVs

#4739 of 18028 armac13, brakes by bsvoller

Feb 21, 2002 (4:39 pm)

I wouldn't say my brakes are awful - I've driven far worse - just not up to my standards. Ironically, we've had a Nissan and a Toyota, both entry-level vehicles, with much better brakes. That's the frustration.
 
OTOH, my old Plymouth Sundance was so bad, you practically had to throw an anchor out the window to stop in a hurry... absolutely awful pedal.
 
Someone made the point recently that too grabby is a bad thing as well, which is well taken, but I do prefer a firm pedal and plenty of initial bite, which I then modulate of course. Just me I guess...
 
I'm much pleased with the change. They didn't give me details, but apparently they went over the car and "serviced" it. It was due for the 22500 service. I suspect they found the pads glazed.

#4740 of 18028 Dealer Screw-up by declansdad

Feb 21, 2002 (5:21 pm)

ritcom: I too had this happen many years ago...I took my 1990 Storm GSi in for service and the dealer forgot to put oil back in the engine.
Lost cyl. #4 and the engine locked up. I had a huge battle with Jeff Legum Chevy (no longer here in MD) and they were no help. Service manager told me "get a lawyer, you can't prove a thing."
 
My $.02, contact SOA and have your in-laws write a letter. Also have them send copies of all services performed on the car.
 
My situation turned out OK...I was a huge pain in the ss and GM covered everything under their "Goodwill Assistance Program."
 
Best of luck!
 
Michael

#4741 of 18028 Rear Bearings on the Radar by davidwatts

Feb 21, 2002 (5:41 pm)

Thanks for your responses.
 
I already called the 1-800 SoA customer line. Three different "help" people said basically, "You're the first one." I always hate that. Luckily being in a business that deals with quite a bit of defective goods, I had my standard reply which is:
 
"Great! Now you'll be able to devote a lot of time and attention to MY case."

Messages Page 475 of 1804

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