[wynandd]

Can anyone perhaps tell me what the expected lifespan would be for the wheel bearings on a MY2007 FXS MT? I have done 126000KM (78300Miles) and when driving, I can hear a slight humming/buzzing coming from the wheels. It might just be tyre noise, but I can't be sure. Has anyone had any experience with wheel bearings on their cars?

 

[moengel]

Can anyone perhaps tell me what the expected lifespan would be for the wheel bearings on a MY2007 FXS MT?

Answer: Not long enough.

Do a search. It's a common problem. My 2003 XS has 75k and it has a bad wheel bearing. Dealer quoted me $700 to fix. Local Subaru shop quoted me $400. Not really a DIY project as it requires expensive special tools. Thanks Subaru!

 

[valvestem]

Can anyone perhaps tell me what the expected lifespan would be for the wheel bearings on a MY2007 FXS MT? I have done 126000KM (78300Miles) and when driving, I can hear a slight humming/buzzing coming from the wheels. It might just be tyre noise, but I can't be sure. Has anyone had any experience with wheel bearings on their cars?

Usually wheel bearings run dry, either from not enough grease at the assembly by the maker, or a leaky seal that allows grease to seep out. This usually leads to a high pitch squealing noise (metal on metal) readily discernable as to which wheel it is.
My old adage is that there are cars in the junk yard from the 50's with the wheel bearings still good. It's because the bearing was greased properly at the beginning of it's life, and the seals never failed.
Other than those variables, it's a pot shot.

 

[funkymonkey1002]

The subaru bearings and the whole design of the bearing assembly isn't great. The newer sti's have better bolton bearing in the front (like just about every other car).

They just have enough play in them stock it seems for them to slowly wear themselves out over time.

I had a rear go out around 100,000 miles, and my fronts went out soon after. The fronts tend to fail due to abuse while the rears seem to just fail at random.

Also, make sure you have the shop check the hub, if its scored and not replaced, the new bearing will fail quickly. If its been making sound for a while the hub will likely be scored up a bit.

 

[Woody '04]

Answer: Not long enough.

Do a search. It's a common problem. My 2003 XS has 75k and it has a bad wheel bearing. Dealer quoted me $700 to fix. Local Subaru shop quoted me $400. Not really a DIY project as it requires expensive special tools. Thanks Subaru!

hub shark sets aren't that expensive if you don't buy the professional version. if you already have 1/2 drive sockets and other typical hand tools, patience, and elbow grease you can save a lot of dough on a Saturday. Be sure you buy all the required oil seals and dust seals too, in addition to the bearings and take careful note the correct way to assemble.

Note I haven't actually used this particular set on a Subaru, but it seems better than my homemade set!

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

The Hassle-Free Way to Change the Front Wheel Bearing!
Change front wheel bearings without the hassle of removing steering knuckle or strut assembly.

* Eliminates need for front end alignment after service work is done
* For use with both domestic and import front wheel drive cars and light trucks
* Corrosion resistant black oxide finish
* Packed in a blow mold case for easy transport and storage

 

[LOUROK]

wheel bearings last about 80,000 to 100,00 miles on most of the cars i've own.

 

[wynandd]

Thanks guys. I'll take it to a non franchised wheel bearing specialist to get an opinion and possible quote. I doubt I will get those tools here in South Africa....