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Subaru Legacy/Outback Wheel bearing failure

149 messages,  Last post on Jun 02, 2012 at 12:08 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Outback, Auto Repair, Car Warranties, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 12 of 15

#110 of 149 Re: Wheelbearing problems [ateixeira] by xwesx

May 10, 2010 (10:47 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (May 10, 2010 8:45 am)
In addition, if the spindle was damaged by the failure of a previous unit but was not replaced, any subsequent bearing installed on it will be more prone to failure.

#111 of 149 Wheelbearing replacement by dcdame

Jul 22, 2010 (11:52 am)

Just posting to report an Outback wheelbearing failure - 58K miles on my 2005 OBXT Ltd - replaced by dealer at no charge under extended warranty.

#112 of 149 Re: Wheelbearing replacement [dcdame] by ateixeira

Jul 23, 2010 (8:46 am)

Replying to: dcdame (Jul 22, 2010 11:52 am)
Glad to hear they covered it for you.

#113 of 149 Re: Steering problum (chunking noise) [ahmbdm] by martinator

Nov 09, 2010 (6:50 pm)

Replying to: ahmbdm (Mar 11, 2010 5:29 am)
Dude, your Viscous Coupler is shot.
 
It went on my 2004 Outback at 100k.

#114 of 149 2006 Outback Rear Wheel Bearing Failure by greg_ct

Nov 14, 2010 (5:30 pm)

I bought my first Subaru in 2006. Never another! At 90K both rear wheel bearings fail, then a few weeks later the right inner cv joint boot fails (the boot is 2 inches above the catalytic converter). I called Subaru customer service regarding the wheel bearings. They extended the warranty on some 2006 Outbacks to 100k, but not mine. What not ? The wheel bearings were crap on mine too. Subaru would do nothing for me.
 
I have a Honda with 285K on it, never had a bearing or drivetrain problem. I also have an Isuzu SUV with 140k, no major drivetrain issues.
 
I was told that Subaru's were great, as long as you sold them before 100K because they self destruct. Now I know how good that advice was.

#115 of 149 Re: 2006 Outback Rear Wheel Bearing Failure [greg_ct] by calbob

Nov 27, 2010 (1:01 pm)

Replying to: greg_ct (Nov 14, 2010 5:30 pm)
Own a 07 Outback and have replaced three wheel bearings. First at approx 58k, next at 65k and last at 79k. First under basic warranty. Second fixed by Subaru after I contacted their "customer Service." The third bearing they reimbursed me for only after writing a scathing letter to Subaru. Their reply basically stated that we will pay for the third bearing, but don't ask for any more help.
Three wheel bearings in a vehicle with under 100k. Sounds like poor design or a bad batch of bearings. Neither of which Subaru will admit to! Like the previous post I think I'm done with Subaru. I live in upstate NY and drive in snow for 4 months and the vehicle excels at winter driving. Unfortunately I'm furious with the Subaru local dealer and their "customer service department" and will probably never purchase another Subaru again and will tell as many potential customers as I can!

#116 of 149 Re: 2006 Outback Rear Wheel Bearing Failure [greg_ct] by ateixeira

Nov 29, 2010 (9:38 am)

Replying to: greg_ct (Nov 14, 2010 5:30 pm)
You have some tough standards. By 90k miles my neighbor's Dodge Grand Caravan was on its 3rd transmission. And that's a lot bigger than a wheel bearing!
 
Best of luck to you, but I really think you were simply lucky with that Honda and Isuzu.

#117 of 149 2008 outback wheel bearing by emuntz

Mar 16, 2011 (5:10 pm)

My 08 OB is about to have its third wheel bearing replaced ( two in front and one in rear) with less then 58k on the vehicle. All have been replaced by Subaru at no cost. However my concern is that this will be a continuing problem. A friend bought the same type of vehicle the same day from the same dealer and he has had the same problem. Whats going on? I live in the mountains with salty road conditions. Could this be adding to the problem?
 
Thought or opinions welcome.
 
Erich

#118 of 149 Re: 2006 Outback Rear Wheel Bearing Failure [ateixeira] by paisan

Mar 16, 2011 (7:04 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Nov 29, 2010 9:38 am)
Best of luck to you, but I really think you were simply lucky with that Honda and Isuzu.
 
Having owned a few Isuzus in my day. They are very tough vehicles but really well built cars like them are few and far between. GM killed off Isuzu, so that's not an option.
 
As for your standards, well they are pretty high. There were some issues with 05-06 Legacies and Outback bearings, bad batch. They extended the warranties to 100k miles on them.
 
As for the axle boot going on a turbo car, this is fairly common on modified Outbacks/Legacies due to their proximity to the downpipe from the turbo. The stock ones have shielding to protect them but aftermarket ones don't.
 
-mike
Subaru Guru and Track Instructor

#119 of 149 Re: 2008 outback wheel bearing [emuntz] by paisan

Mar 16, 2011 (7:07 pm)

Replying to: emuntz (Mar 16, 2011 5:10 pm)
My 08 OB is about to have its third wheel bearing replaced ( two in front and one in rear) with less then 58k on the vehicle. All have been replaced by Subaru at no cost. However my concern is that this will be a continuing problem. A friend bought the same type of vehicle the same day from the same dealer and he has had the same problem. Whats going on? I live in the mountains with salty road conditions. Could this be adding to the problem?
  
Thought or opinions welcome.
  
Erich
 
The salt could definitely part of your issue. Not much you can do about it other than to find a good local mechanic. It's about a $200 repair at an independent shop. (1 hr labor and about $125 for the part).
 
-mike
Subaru Guru and Track Instructor

Messages Page 12 of 15

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