Bearing failure or ?

[jetboy]

When overtaking a large truck I suddenly detected vibrations I haven't felt before. This was at the bottom of a mountain pass and then there was gravel road and other awful conditions. When we started the downward slope, my breakes started squeeking a bit. I thought maybe they were a bit overheated.

The problem is still around but in low speeds I keep here in town it's not so pronounced. We are visiting my mother who's had Subarus since early 80s and she thinks it's the front bearing. In short, there's a bit of vibration in the steering wheel, in the chairs and some occational squeeking from the left front wheel.

What's your take?

[dcarrb]

Wheel bearing failure usually becomes noticeable as a whine or roaring sound that changes in pitch and volume with variations in speed. As failure progresses, the noise increases. Seems unlikely this is your problem.

Possibly you've warped a brake rotor?

dcb

[RojoRocket]

It's possible you have a piece of gravel lodged in the LF brake caliper, causing the squeal. I would get the front end in the air, pull the wheels and give the brakes a good look for wear, and grease the slide bolts.

Glenn

[kwren]

Originally Posted by RojoRocket

It's possible you have a piece of gravel lodged in the LF brake caliper, causing the squeal. I would get the front end in the air, pull the wheels and give the brakes a good look for wear, and grease the slide bolts.

Glenn

Maybe just a CV shaft?

Keith

[Crazy_pilot]

Wheels tight? Had the car worked on recently?

[huck369]

2nd on the warped rotor....

[jetboy]

Originally Posted by Crazy_pilot

Wheels tight? Had the car worked on recently?

Yes, it was subject to a "safety check" a week ago while I had the rallye lights removed. I could always take the wheel on and off. I can probably borrow a torque wrench from my mom's neighbour. How much should I use on the wheels?

As for warped rotor.. why should there be vibration while I'm not braking if the rotor is warped?