I replaced the rear driver's wheel bearing a few years ago, and when I purchased the parts I got enough for both sides. I replaced the rear passenger side end November 2016. For a while now I've been hearing noise back there like a wheel bearing has gone bad, and yesterday I swear I could feel the vibration of the sound I hear.
I've replaced the rear differential gear oil ever 30K miles, but the drive shafts are still OEM. Could it be one of them, if so how would I diagnose?
Fortunately, when replacing the bearings I lubed the crap out of both new long bolts, and since I've done 2 bearings so far, replacing another one should go smooth. But damn, could one have gone bad this fast?
Your vehicle (and mine) came from the factory with ball bearings in the rear. This was not one of Subaru's better ideas. The OEM replacement part is now a tapered roller bearing. Most aftermarket bearings are tapered rollers.
- When you replaced the rear bearings, did you replace with ball bearings or tapered rollers?
- Who did the work? Pressing out old bearings and (more important) pressing in the new ones is fraught with peril. A lot of force is required but if applied incorrectly the hub can be distorted and/or the new bearings can be damaged.
As as maintenance supervisor in a large facility..I can guarantee you replacement jobs usually don't last as long as the originals and many fail shortly after replacement. Number one issue: is usually mismatch of bearing bore or shaft with even exact replacement, second: dirt on the housing/shaft/in the bearing, third: brinelling or installation errors. fourth: unknown reasings some possiblyleading to original failure.
Probably won't help, think you already know it's the bearing, BUT, just in case, check the tyre treads carefully. I have had " castellation" of the outer edge blocks on the Impreza tyres soon after I bought it that caused an awful rumbling noise and some harshness just like a wheel bearing going or gone. New tyres and alignment fixed it.
No I did not have an alignment done. Never noticed tire wear from the other side's replacement, and no abnormal wear from this side yet. Wouldn't out of alignment only show in tire wear?
I got the bearings from Jackie of Annapolis Subaru, so they should be correct. The bearing was one unit similar to what I removed, and the inner races I remember could be removed so I made sure they did not fall out when handling.
I did the work myself with a Pittsburgh Automotive bearing press kit that uses threaded rod and adapters to pull and press via ratchet by hand. Bearing went in easy, and all surfaces were as clean as possible.
Having replace a rear bearing already, I knew what to do and expect from the second one. With the exception of having to cut out the long bolt, torching the bushings (long bolt fused in them) from the lateral links and replacing them, the process went as planned.
It's just disappointing to hear how loud it is back there. Even my 7yo asked me last weekend "What's that noise?"
Bite the bullet. Replace both rear bearings again. This time around, get Timken tapered roller bearings. Rockauto has the bearings and new seals (as I recall, there are 2 on each side). Find a local clutch and joint shop to do the pressing - money well spent.
FWIW, there's not a lot of 'aligning' on the rear end. You can adjust toe . . . that's about it. But, unless you've been in a rear-end wreck, rear alignment is probably within specs.
FWIW, there's not a lot of 'aligning' on the rear end. You can adjust toe . . . that's about it. But, unless you've been in a rear-end wreck, rear alignment is probably within specs.
This is exactly right. Not a lot of adjustments on the rear, but if something is slightly bent without realizing it, that can affect the alignment. The OP's point about tire wear is a good one, though. If the tires have shown nice even wear, the alignment may be just fine. I usually have it done every couple years even if it doesn't seem to need it.
...and thanks for all the responses. Much appreciated.
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