Front wheel bearings

[aviatrix]

Hi everyone!

My SVX has developed a very loud noise in the driver front wheel area which I think is the wheel bearing. Any suggestions as to where I should take it for service and what I should expect to pay?

Michele

[Alycone]

Welcome to the NW forum. A lot of us go to Smart Service (independent Subaru specialist) for repairs:
http://www.smart-service.com/

[manofmayo]

hey Michelle

I seem to remember a friend in Marysville paid $400 for his rear bearings at a subaru dealership in Marysville.

aviatrix,

may I ask how quickly this sound became very loud? I can hear some noise when cruising at just about any speed and I suspect my bearings (all 4) as I believe that they are still OEM unless someone had them serviced as advised in the service schedule. I'm just trying to get an idea of how quickly this sound will develop from a rotor grinding type of sound to screaming obnoxiously loud bearing failure.

Any input would be greatly appreciated

Thanks,

-Elliot

[WestCoastSVX]

Originally posted by manofmayo
hey Michelle

I seem to remember a friend in Marysville paid $400 for his rear bearings at a subaru dealership in Marysville.

BOTH rear bearings? That's pretty good, I think a little less than Mike even. If it is for just one though...... oh I can't say, that dealership is sponsoring the next meet.


Hi Michelle. I still have your prize from the drawing at the Spring Classic! I've never heard of the FRONT wheel bearings being a problem, but I suppose it could be.

[manofmayo]

actually I think it was just one of them.....he mentioned he has had repeated problems with the drivers side rear wheel bearing.

[WestCoastSVX]

That brings up a good point. It used to be a pretty well known topic on these forums, but most here in the NW section are pretty new so....

In the past there have been members that have literally gone through 5 or 6 rear wheel bearings within a year! The problem is, the repair shops (including some Subaru dealerships), put them on with the grease they come shipped in. This is NOT the proper grease for when they are installed on the car, new grease must be added. Apparently most places miss that step unless they are really aware of the SVX (although I thought bearings was kinda Subaru issue in general, but the grease thing doesn't come up except on the SVX).

So anyway, it is always good practice to ask the shop if they know how to do it the RIGHT way, otherwise the new bearing replacement will only last a couple months to a year.

Both of my rear bearings lasted almost 10 years (as far as I know), then went out within a year of each other, Smart Service did the replacement both times, and now they are going on 3 years with no problems.

[aviatrix]

I'd love to get my prize! :-)

The bearing became loud pretty quickly. I've had loud rear bearing for some time but I've been putting off fixing them. I don't think I can wait much longer on the noise in the front. The reason I suspect the bearing and not some other component is I've heard bad CV joints and this is a different noise.

Of course when it rains it pours. Last night I discovered a small crack in my upper radiator tank so this weekend I'll be chasing down some JB Weld and attempting a patch.


Michele

I wish you the best of luck! I also have a small crak on the plastic portion of my radiator on the top. I'm saving up for a replacement one. Thanks for the reply!

Originally posted by aviatrix
[B}

Of course when it rains it pours. Last night I discovered a small crack in my upper radiator tank so this weekend I'll be chasing down some JB Weld and attempting a patch.


Michele [/B]