Subaru Wheel Bearing Replacement: The Ultimate Guide

Does your Subaru make a humming or grinding noise when you drive? If so, you may need to replace a wheel bearing. Wheel bearings are essential components that allow your wheels to turn smoothly and safely. When they fail, it can lead to serious problems.

In this article, we'll discuss everything you need to know about Subaru wheel bearing replacement, including the benefits, how to do it, and some common mistakes to avoid.

Benefits of Subaru Wheel Bearing Replacement

There are many benefits to replacing a failed wheel bearing, including:

Improved safety: A failed wheel bearing can cause your wheel to wobble or seize up, which can lead to an accident. Replacing a failed wheel bearing will help to ensure that your Subaru is safe to drive.

Reduced noise: A failed wheel bearing can make a humming or grinding noise when you drive. Replacing a failed wheel bearing will help to reduce this noise and make your Subaru more enjoyable to drive.

Improved performance: A failed wheel bearing can cause your Subaru to handle poorly and reduce its fuel efficiency. Replacing a failed wheel bearing will help to improve your Subaru's performance and make it more fun to drive.

How to Replace a Subaru Wheel Bearing

Replacing a Subaru wheel bearing is a relatively straightforward process, but it does require some special tools and skills. If you're not comfortable working on your own car, it's best to take it to a mechanic.

Here are the steps involved in replacing a Subaru wheel bearing:

Remove the wheel: The first step is to remove the wheel from the affected side of the car. To do this, you'll need a jack and a lug wrench.

Remove the brake caliper: The next step is to remove the brake caliper from the wheel bearing. To do this, you'll need a ratchet and a socket wrench.

Remove the rotor: The next step is to remove the rotor from the wheel bearing. To do this, you'll need a hammer and a chisel.

Remove the wheel bearing: The next step is to remove the wheel bearing from the knuckle. To do this, you'll need a slide hammer and a puller.

Install the new wheel bearing: The next step is to install the new wheel bearing into the knuckle. To do this, you'll need a press.

Reinstall the rotor: The next step is to reinstall the rotor onto the wheel bearing. To do this, you'll need a hammer and a chisel.

Reinstall the brake caliper: The next step is to reinstall the brake caliper onto the wheel bearing. To do this, you'll need a ratchet and a socket wrench.

Reinstall the wheel: The final step is to reinstall the wheel onto the car. To do this, you'll need a jack and a lug wrench.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that people make when replacing a Subaru wheel bearing. These mistakes can lead to serious problems, so it's important to avoid them.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using the wrong tools: Using the wrong tools can damage the wheel bearing or the knuckle. Be sure to use the correct tools for the job.

Not following the instructions: Replacing a wheel bearing is a complex process. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid making a mistake.

Not torquing the bolts to the correct specification: Torquing the bolts to the correct specification is essential for ensuring that the wheel bearing is properly installed. Be sure to use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the correct specification.

Basic Concepts of Subaru Wheel Bearing Replacement

To understand how to replace a Subaru wheel bearing, it's important to understand some basic concepts. These concepts include:

The function of a wheel bearing: A wheel bearing is a bearing that allows the wheel to turn smoothly and safely. It is located between the wheel and the knuckle.

The types of wheel bearings: There are two types of wheel bearings: tapered roller bearings and ball bearings. Tapered roller bearings are more common in Subarus.

The symptoms of a failed wheel bearing: A failed wheel bearing can cause a variety of symptoms, including a humming or grinding noise when you drive, a vibration in the steering wheel, or a loss of control of the car.

Advanced Features

In addition to the basic concepts, there are also a few advanced features that you should be aware of when replacing a Subaru wheel bearing. These features include:

ABS sensors: ABS sensors are used to detect when a wheel is locking up. These sensors are located on the wheel bearing.

Hub assemblies: Hub assemblies are used to mount the wheel bearing to the knuckle. Hub assemblies are often replaced at the same time as wheel bearings.

Wheel speed sensors: Wheel speed sensors are used to measure the speed of each wheel. These sensors are located on the wheel bearing.

What Users Care About

When it comes to Subaru wheel bearing replacement, users care about a few key things. These things include:

Cost: The cost of replacing a Subaru wheel bearing can vary depending on the severity of the problem and the type of Subaru you have. However, as a general rule, you can expect to pay between $200 and $600 for a new wheel bearing and between $100 and $300 for labor.

Time: Replacing a Subaru wheel bearing can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. However, the time it takes to replace a wheel bearing can vary depending on the severity of the problem and the experience of the mechanic.

Warranty: Most Subaru wheel bearings come with a warranty of at least 12 months. However, some warranties may be longer or shorter. Be sure to ask your mechanic about the warranty that comes with the wheel bearing you're purchasing.

Effective Strategies, Tips and Tricks

There are a few effective strategies, tips and tricks that can help you to replace a Subaru wheel bearing more easily. These strategies, tips and tricks include:

Use a torque wrench: Using a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the correct specification is essential for ensuring that the wheel bearing is properly installed.

Use a slide hammer and a puller: Using a slide hammer and a puller to remove the old wheel bearing will help to prevent damage to the knuckle.

Use a press to install the new wheel bearing: Using a press to install the new wheel bearing will help to ensure that the wheel bearing is properly seated.

Get help from a friend: Replacing a Subaru wheel bearing can be a challenging task. If you're not comfortable working on your own car, get help from a friend.

Conclusion

Subaru wheel bearing replacement is a relatively straightforward process, but it does require some special tools and skills. If you're not comfortable working on your own car, it's best to take it to a mechanic.

By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can save time and money on your next Subaru wheel bearing replacement.

Subaru Wheel Bearing Replacement: The Ultimate Guide