DIY Subaru Wheel Bearing Replacement Guide: Step-by-Step Instructions and Troubleshooting
Introduction
A faulty wheel bearing can lead to a bumpy and noisy ride, affecting both the safety and comfort of your Subaru vehicle. Replacing a wheel bearing can be a daunting task, but with the right tools, knowledge, and a bit of patience, it's a manageable project for DIY enthusiasts.
Symptoms of a Bad Wheel Bearing
- Humming or grinding noise that increases with speed
- Clunking or growling noise when turning
- Vibration in the steering wheel or floorboard
- Uneven tire wear on one side
Tools and Materials
- New wheel bearing and hub assembly
- Socket set
- Ratchet or impact wrench
- Torque wrench
- Pry bar
- Slide hammer (optional)
- Anti-seize lubricant
Safety First
Before starting any automotive repair, always remember to:
- Engage the parking brake
- Chock the wheels opposite the one you're working on
- Wear safety glasses and gloves
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Remove the Wheel
- Loosen the lug nuts, but do not remove them completely.
- Jack up the vehicle and support it securely with jack stands.
- Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
2. Remove the Brake Caliper
- Locate the brake caliper bolts and remove them.
- Carefully lift the caliper off the rotor and secure it with a bungee cord. Do not let it hang by the brake line.
3. Remove the Rotor (Optional)
- If the rotor is not coming off easily, use a hammer and a punch to tap it gently.
- Remove the rotor and clean the hub surface with a wire brush.
4. Remove the Old Wheel Bearing
- Use a large socket to remove the hub nut.
- Slide the hub off the spindle using a slide hammer or a pry bar.
- Once the hub is off, you will see the old wheel bearing.
5. Install the New Wheel Bearing
- Apply anti-seize lubricant to the inner surface of the new wheel bearing.
- Press the new wheel bearing into the hub using a bearing press or a bench vise.
6. Reassemble the Hub
- Slide the hub back onto the spindle.
- Tighten the hub nut to the specified torque using a torque wrench.
7. Reinstall the Rotor (Optional)
- Place the rotor back onto the hub.
- Clean the bolts and apply anti-seize lubricant.
- Tighten the rotor bolts in a star pattern.
8. Reinstall the Brake Caliper
- Reposition the brake caliper on the rotor.
- Install and tighten the caliper bolts.
9. Install the Wheel
- Place the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
- Lower the vehicle and fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
Troubleshooting
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Wheel bearing not fitting snugly: Check if the bearing is pressed all the way into the hub.
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Hub nut not tightening: Ensure the hub nut is tightened to the correct torque.
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Noise after replacement: The noise may not disappear immediately. Drive the vehicle for a few days before assessing any issues.
Stories and Lessons Learned
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The Wheelbarrow Saga: A mechanic replaced a wheel bearing on a Subaru only to find that the noise persisted. After several futile attempts, he finally realized that the wheelbarrow he was using to move the tires was making the grinding sound.
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The Overtightened Nut: A DIYer tightened the hub nut too tightly, resulting in the wheel bearing failing prematurely. This highlights the importance of using a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening.
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The Missing Bearing: A driver ignored the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing until it completely disintegrated. The lesson is: Don't procrastinate when it comes to replacing worn components.
Tables
Subaru Wheel Bearing Replacement Costs
Vehicle Model |
Front |
Rear |
2016 Subaru Impreza |
$250-$400 |
$300-$450 |
2018 Subaru Forester |
$300-$500 |
$350-$550 |
2020 Subaru Outback |
$350-$600 |
$400-$650 |
Tools for Subaru Wheel Bearing Replacement
Tool |
Price Range |
Socket set |
$50-$150 |
Ratchet or impact wrench |
$100-$250 |
Torque wrench |
$50-$150 |
Pry bar |
$15-$25 |
Slide hammer (optional) |
$50-$100 |
Symptoms of a Bad Wheel Bearing
Symptom |
Cause |
Humming or grinding noise |
Worn or damaged bearing surface |
Clunking or growling noise |
Excessive play in the bearing |
Vibration in the steering wheel or floorboard |
Uneven tire wear caused by bearing misalignment |
Uneven tire wear on one side |
Wheel bearing failure on that side |
Effective Strategies for Replacing a Subaru Wheel Bearing
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Jack up the vehicle safely: Use jack stands and never trust a single jack.
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Use a torque wrench: Overtightening can damage components, while undertightening can lead to failure.
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Lubricate the bearing: Anti-seize lubricant prevents corrosion and ensures smooth operation.
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Double-check your work: Ensure all parts are correctly tightened and securely fastened.
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Consider replacing both wheel bearings: If one bearing is failing, the other may not be far behind.
Tips and Tricks
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Use a rubber mallet to loosen the hub: Gently tap the hub with a rubber mallet to break it loose.
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Clean the hub surface: Remove any dirt or rust from the hub surface before installing the new bearing.
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Use a large socket to remove the hub nut: A smaller socket may not provide enough leverage to loosen the nut.
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Inspect the brake pads: While you have the wheel off, take the opportunity to check the brake pads for wear.
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Reset the ABS light: If the ABS light comes on after replacing the wheel bearing, it may need to be reset using a diagnostic tool.
Why it Matters and How it Benefits
Replacing a faulty wheel bearing is essential for the safety and comfort of your Subaru. It:
-
Improves handling: A damaged wheel bearing can affect the vehicle's alignment, leading to poor handling.
-
Prevents further damage: Leaving a bad wheel bearing unattended can damage other components, such as the brakes and suspension.
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Reduces noise: A faulty wheel bearing can generate a loud and unpleasant noise.
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Enhances ride quality: A smooth-rolling wheel bearing provides a more comfortable ride.
Pros and Cons
Pros of Replacing a Subaru Wheel Bearing Yourself
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Savings: DIY replacement can save you significant labor costs compared to taking it to a mechanic.
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Control: You have complete control over the quality of parts and workmanship.
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Convenience: You can replace the bearing at your own pace and at a time that suits you.
Cons of Replacing a Subaru Wheel Bearing Yourself
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Tools: You may need to purchase or rent specialized tools.
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Experience: Replacing a wheel bearing requires some mechanical experience.
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Time: It can take several hours to replace a wheel bearing.
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Potential for error: If you make a mistake, it could compromise the safety of your vehicle.
FAQs
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How often should Subaru wheel bearings be replaced?
- Typically, Subaru wheel bearings last for 60,000 to 80,000 miles.
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Can I drive with a bad wheel bearing?
- Driving with a bad wheel bearing is not recommended as it can cause further damage and compromise safety.
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Is it better to replace one or both wheel bearings?
- If one wheel bearing has failed, it's a good idea to replace both wheel bearings on that axle.
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What causes a wheel bearing to fail?
- Wheel bearings can fail due to normal wear and tear, contamination, or excessive force.
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Can I press in a new wheel bearing by hand?
- No, a wheel bearing requires significant force to be pressed into place. Use a bearing press or a bench vise.
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Do I need to repack the wheel bearing with grease?
- Most new wheel bearings come pre-greased. However, it's recommended to lubricate the outer seal with anti-seize lubricant.
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How long does it take to replace a Subaru wheel bearing?
- With the right tools and experience, it can take around 2-3 hours to replace a Subaru wheel bearing.
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Can I replace a wheel bearing without removing the hub?
- It is not recommended to replace a wheel bearing without removing the hub. The hub provides support for the bearing and ensures proper alignment.