Do you know sometimes while driving your Subaru, you can hear strange noises from the wheel area? These sounds might be the sign of a faulty wheel bearing. Wheel bearings are small parts but are very important for any Subaru vehicle. These bearings are found within the structure of the wheel hub and enable the free rotational movement of wheels together with bearing the weight of your vehicle. They are made of hardened steel and are pre-lubricated to minimize friction and wear on the contacting surfaces.

As with most automotive parts, wheel bearings are built to last for a very long time but they can wear out due to normal use, harsh terrain, or through lack of servicing. If ignored, this problem leads to other problems such as poor handling, reduced safety, and expensive repair costs. Here are the major causes of wheel bearing noises and what you can do to fix this problem so your Subaru will drive smoothly again.

What Leads to Wheel Bearing Noises?

  • Wear and Tear: There is always natural depreciation of the wheel bearings due to constant stress exerted by the wheels. The circular motion ends up wearing the originally smooth spherical ball or roller of the bearing system. When they wear out, they start making different loud noises.
  • Contamination: The bearing housing can also be contaminated with dirt, water, or debris if the seals are worn or damaged. Wear particles interfere with the free movement of the bearing causing rough running and noise in these areas. Exposure to contaminants is high when a car is driven through a puddle, mud, or off-road terrain.
  • Lack of Lubrication: The bearing must be lubricated well to minimize friction and to run efficiently. If the grease is caked up on the bearing or if it leaks from the seals that have worn out, there will be increased friction. What follows is a squealing or grinding

How You Can Fix Subaru Wheel Bearing Noises

  • Inspect and Confirm the Issue: First, before diagnosing a wheel bearing problem, try to figure out which wheel is producing the noise. This can be achieved by paying attention while the car is in motion or by lifting it and turning each wheel to feel odd vibrations, noise, or tightness.
  • Replace the Wheel Bearing: Generally, wheel bearings cannot be repaired, so the best option is replacement. Prepare the car by fitting the jack under your Subaru and then lifting the car until it rests on the jack stands. Remove the wheel, caliper, and brake rotor to get access to the hub assembly. With the help of a bearing puller or press, pull out the worn-out bearing from the hub. Insert the new bearing into the hub assembly and then tighten all parts. Replacing a wheel bearing seems like an easy job when in fact you need special tools and some good experience to do it right. If you are not fully confident about your mechanical prowess then it pays to go to an expert mechanic.
  • Check Related Components: When changing a wheel bearing it is advisable to look at other related parts including the hub, axle, and braking system. If any of them are faulty, repair or change them immediately so that your Subaru will be restored to its peak performance.
  • Testing and Alignment: After installation, try out your car and ensure that the new bearing moves around smoothly. You also need to check the wheel alignment to be sure it is very safe on the road with less instability.

Subaru Wheel Bearing Repair

Why Bring Your Subaru To Howland Autohaus For Repair Services?

At Howland Autohaus, we are conscious of the requirements of Subaru car owners. We have skilled technicians who will use appropriate equipment and knowledge to solve any wheel-bearing problem. Based in Heath, OH, we offer our customers professional service and reliable assistance to maintain their Subaru in the best performing condition.

Aside from Heath residents, we also cater to drivers from surrounding areas like Pataskala, Pickerington, Lancaster, Buckeye Lake, Granville, New Albany, Newark, Hebron, Johnstown, and Zanesville, OH. Our values are effective communication, excellent work, and customer satisfaction. Whenever you decide to bring your Subaru to us, you should be assured that it is in safe hands. You can book an appointment online or just give us a call to ensure your Subaru runs as smoothly as the first day.