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#1
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wheel bearings
Hi--I'm a new member and I need some assistance, please. I have a 92 with 206 miles (and still running strong, for the most part).
Turns out, ONCE AGAIN, I need wheel bearings. the rear, right, has been replaced FIVE times since 1999 (the shop purged maintenance records prior to 1999), and the rear, left has been changed twice. At least three times I was not charged because it was within the one year warranty period for the parts. The last time it was over by 2 months and Subaru took care of half of it. The last time the rear bearing was replaced was May 03, and here I am beyond the warranty period again, and now they tell me I need BOTH rear bearings, to the tune of $520. I'm selling the car (or trying to), and I know I should replace these bearings and hopefully will get some help from Subaru Corporate. Before I begin negotiating with them, I want to know if anyone knows of any factual information anywhere that discusses this bearing problem. I figure if I can point out that THEY know it's been a problem all along, they may be more willing to make it right! Any suggestions? And, just out of curiosity--has anyone tied or surpassed my record of 206,000 miles (with original trans--I've never had a problem with that). Thanks in advance. |
#2
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Re: wheel bearings
When the bearing are replaced they need to be cleaned of the grease that comes with them and have a high temperature wheel bearing grease packed into them. This would help quite a bit and is probably why your keep going out.
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#3
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Re: wheel bearings
Quote:
dcb |
#4
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Re: wheel bearings
Welcome to the site!
To answer your last question, Sleepem has a '92 with original trans and engine that's at ~299,600 miles. He'll hopefully go over 300K later this year, as the car isn't being driven as much as it used to... -Chike P.S. One good site to list your wheel bearing complaint and possibly get ammunition when dealing with Subaru of America is: Consumer Affairs Quote:
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"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato 2013 Cosmic Blue 5spd Evo X GSR 2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 (sold) 2006 Steel Gray WRX TR (sold) 1996 Brilliant Red SVX L (sold) Last edited by Chiketkd; 08-05-2004 at 08:46 AM. |
#5
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I was told by the shop that the grease they used to pack them in was no longer used--they corrected that problem 4 years ago (I think). Have you heard this?
I'm looking for any info that discusses that this is an ongoing problem. Any suggestions. Thanks Beldin |
#6
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#7
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For perspective, the 2004 WRX STi uses the same rear wheel bearings that are used in the SVX, so either Subaru is really dumb, or the bearings are fundamentally sound. Assuming the latter, then a recurring wheel bearing failure indicates some problem either with installation or with something on your car.
Some possibilities include: 1) Not using good grease. 2) Bad seals. Have the seals been replaced each time? 3) Damaged hub. The hub can become slightly warped by overtightening the bolt that holds the lateral links to the hub. 4) Overtightening the axle nut. My car had bad rear wheel bearings when I bought it. I did the wheel bearing job myself. Just as with Beldin, the bearings came packed in some clearish/greenish grease. I thoroughly removed all the grease, and used a high temperature, long wearing grease. Going on almost two years, and no problems (fingers crossed). With that said, I've heard that the bearings now come packed in a suitable grease.
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Mychailo :: 2006 Silver Mitsubishi Evolution 9, E85, 34 psi peak, 425wtq/505whp DJ :: 1995 Laguna Blue SVX L AWD 5MT (sold) Visit my locker SVX Mods: ND iridium spark plugs, Impreza RS fpr, afr tuned to 13.2:1 using a custom MAF bypass, custom exhaust, WRX 5MT w/ STi RA 1st-4th gear & stock WRX 5th gear, Exedy 13 lb flywheel & Sport Clutch, STi Group N tranny & engine mounts, urethane spacers in rear subframe, rear diff mounts, and pitch stopper, SVX Sport Strut Springs (185f/150r), custom 19 mm rear swaybar, urethane swaybar mounts, Rota Torque 17x8", 225/45-17 Proxes 4 tires, Axxis Deluxe Plus organic brake pads. |
#8
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Wasn't there a TSB recently which described a new procedure for changing wheel bearings? Apparently the old procedure could sometimes result in damage to the housing which would lead to repeat failures. I can't find it at the moment, but I'm sure somebody posted it here.
Your car has had many more wheel bearings than is normal for an SVX. Something must be causing them to fail. If you get it changed by a good independant mechanic then they may be able to inspect the old one and offer an opinion on what caused the failure. Phil. |
#9
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thanks for that info on possible causes. Of course I don't think anyone will admit to any fault at this point. On the first few occasions, the Subaru dealership said they were getting faulty parts, and Subaru corporate said the technicians didn't know what they were doing!
I'd just like to get it resolved so I can sell the car. As bad as I'd like to keep it (and try to get past that 299,000 mark), the knees can no longer hold up to getting in and out of such a low car. |
#10
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<<and Subaru corporate said the technicians didn't know what they were doing!>>
Amen! I/we can relate to that. Its hard finding a good mechanic that knows his way around a Subaru. |
#11
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I know it's been said... but the packing grease is pretty cheesy and should probably be flushed.
Note that yes, the grease they're packed in did change after 2001, but I personally like to know what's on my bearings. I recently replaced one of my front bearings and am planning to replace the rears in a couple of weeks (money ya know) and I'm packing them in Mobil 1 grease because I'm paranoid like that. I'll report back <grin> Oh, and if you have the tools, you CAN do it yourself. Less than $100 in parts an a Saturday afternoon ought to do it... even if you need a machine shop you can remove the housing from the car and get them to press the bearing in for you. Food for thought. |
#12
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I would like to know if they have been using a press to assemble the bearing. I think this over compresses the bearing and leads to an early failure.
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#13
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wheel bearings
changing the hub or housing when replacing the bearings definitely extends the life of the bearings assuming the right packing grease is applied. the first two sets didn't last more than 10,000 miles. the current set with the new housings are over 17,000 miles with no failure. Subaru determined this was the problem so any Subaru mechanic should be aware of this. but i would check with them so they don't screw it up.
Mike
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95 Pearl Blue L |
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