Driveline Services
Subaru Wheel Bearing Replacement
The driveline begins with the engine and ends with the wheel bearings. Wheel bearings do their job in the background and are not noticed until they start to wear. If maintenance is delayed too long catastrophic failure could result and a wheel could become detached from the car.
Subaru's AWD system is precisely balanced and has helped make Subaru a leader in motorsports, especially rallying. The excellent roadholding and cornering capability of Subarus means that owners tend to drive them a little more spiritedly than average and the lateral forces generated when cornering tend to wear the wheel bearings.
Two types of Subaru wheel bearing:
Type 1: All Subarus from 1991 to 2006 used the same three-piece wheel bearing. These contain a roller bearing with an outer shell cone and are pressed in with specialised equipment. They require repacking with grease when repaired. These were a very reliable unit until later models, particularly Forester models, where these bearing have given some problems. Replacement of these units is labour intensive, and there are traps for the unwary. If a new bearing is fitted to a worn or damaged hub the repair will not last long. Many workshops have made this error leading to a high level of customer dissatisfaction. All Drive Subaru carefully inspect all three components of the early wheel bearing assemblies to ensure a reliable repair.
Type 2: Since the mid-2000s Subaru models have been fitted with robust integrated wheel bearing and hub assemblies that are easier to replace, but more expensive. When replacement is required, the integrated unit incorporates a new hub and bearing. The bearing is not serviceable. Replacement is easier, requiring fewer tools and a much simpler procedure. Labour costs are low, but overall costs are higher compared with replacement of the bearing only. Virtually all auto manufacturers have moved to this wheel bearing design.
"We have all Subaru model wheel bearings, new and reconditioned in stock and ready to fit."
Diagnosis and repair—tell-tale signs of wheel bearing wear
Subaru wheel bearings are part of an integrated assembly that includes the bearing and hub and knuckle. At assembly Subaru wheel bearings are packed with heavy lubricating grease and sealed. But if the seal wears or splits and contaminants get in, the lubricating grease turns into a kind of grinding paste causing the bearings to overheat and fail. Alternatively, the wheel bearing just wears with age and the bearing surfaces become pitted, generating heat and noise.Early warning signs of wheel bearing failure include:
- Vibrations, knocking or clunking sounds while accelerating or coasting
- Clicking, popping, grinding or howling noises while in motion
- pulsing or erratic brake pedal feel
- ABS light illuminating due to sensor damaged from excess free play
- Erratic steering and tracking under braking
- Uneven or abnormal tyre wear
