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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 11 of 15

#100 of 149 Re: Wheelbearing problems [graycew] by ateixeira

Feb 11, 2010 (11:18 am)

Replying to: graycew (Feb 11, 2010 8:34 am)
For Foresters, Subaru recommended replacing the wheel bearings with similar parts from the Legacy, which were heavier duty. You should try the same, I bet they'll fit.
 
I'm surprised your mechanic wasn't aware of that, or what it a Subaru dealer? Maybe they wanted you to keep coming back, if so shame on them.

#101 of 149 Re: Wheelbearing problems [graycew] by gt40mk2

Feb 23, 2010 (9:39 am)

Replying to: graycew (Feb 11, 2010 8:34 am)
Hi - I've got a 2005 Legacy wagon that I bought last year at 95 km, now 112. Just found out the front bearings need replacing. Not surprised - I had been hearing a fairly loud hum that I thought was the tires combined with AWD (my first AWD vehicle). Don't know if first owner was hard on it or what, or if that can possibly make a difference with bearings. It was a lease though. I'll be forking out $720 for the two at dealer (Toronto).

#102 of 149 Re: Wheelbearing problems [gt40mk2] by ateixeira

Feb 23, 2010 (2:53 pm)

Replying to: gt40mk2 (Feb 23, 2010 9:39 am)
I guess you're past the powertrain warranty?

#103 of 149 Steering problum (chunking noise) by ahmbdm

Mar 11, 2010 (5:29 am)

My 2003 Baja makes a loud popping or chunking noise whenever I turn hard at low speeds (e.g. pulling out of a parking space). Had both CV axles replaced...not the problem. This happens when turning either right or left...any ideas?
[Manual transmission...vehicle excellent other than above problem.]

#104 of 149 Re: Steering problum (chunking noise) [ahmbdm] by xwesx

Mar 11, 2010 (10:18 am)

Replying to: ahmbdm (Mar 11, 2010 5:29 am)
If the CV joints made no difference, it is likely a differential. Can you tell the approximate location of the noise? I suspect either a front or center differential, neither of which are cheap to fix. Basically, the sound is caused by binding in the differential that is not properly released. If you try turning sharply on a heavily graveled surface, you should be able to see one or more wheels spin out on the gravel to release the pressure rather than getting the clunk/pop noises. Or, you might get both, but with the clunk/pop less frequent and/or severe.

#105 of 149 Re: Steering problum (chunking noise) [ahmbdm] by ateixeira

Mar 11, 2010 (10:29 am)

Replying to: ahmbdm (Mar 11, 2010 5:29 am)
Also check the wheel bearings. They'd be under stress at full steering lock.

#106 of 149 Re: Steering problum (chunking noise) [ateixeira] by pilot1226

Mar 12, 2010 (7:40 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Mar 11, 2010 10:29 am)
Thought I'd add my two cents:
 
While I was getting my car serviced last week, I overheard another customer and the service representative talking about Legacy (and Outback since they're essentially the same chassis) having complimentary extended maintenance on the wheel bearings because of a TSB or something along these lines that surfaced. So, the customer was happy because he got it replaced free of charge.
 
As for a clunking sound, I don't have a lot of experience with AWD vehicles as this is my first, but I know that when a family member's previous car made a high pitched squeal when the power steering fluid went low. I suppose as the car warmed up and the fluid expanded (via thermal expansion) it covered more of the parts, which is why it went away after the car warmed up. A later inspection showed that the power steering reservoir/hoses had a leak so they were replaced and the problem was fixed. Could be worth checking out.

#107 of 149 Re: Wheelbearing problems [graycew] by meadow

May 09, 2010 (11:20 am)

Replying to: graycew (Feb 11, 2010 8:34 am)
I have a 2000 Outback Sport Impreza and I seem to be having the same problems. My car only has 71,000 on it, but I have gone through 3 bearings, just this year. Did you get any answers on why this is happening or how it can't be prevented? Thanks!

#108 of 149 Subaru Legacy/Outback Wheel bearing failure by ahmbdm

May 09, 2010 (4:19 pm)

My 2003 Baja (manual trans), at approx 85,000 miles, sustained a failure of the viscous clutch (at the center diff)...transmission was fine...NOT wheel bearings, but was told nevertheless that this should not happen with so few miles on vehicle.
 
Symptoms were chunking noise when turning steering wheel hard (as in parking), particularly after vehicle had warmed up thoroughly.

#109 of 149 Re: Wheelbearing problems [meadow] by ateixeira

May 10, 2010 (8:45 am)

Replying to: meadow (May 09, 2010 11:20 am)
I think in 2002 the Impreza switched to sealed-type bearings.
 
For yours, I believe the fix is to have Legacy bearings installed, which are a bit heavier duty.

Messages Page 11 of 15

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