Wheel bearing?

[Nylander]

Originally Posted by Thorpedo

Had the EXACT issue you are describing. Changed the wheel bearing and it was gone.

I just wonder if I got a bad wheel bearing from the factory. I don't know if it's worth ordering a second part to see. I might swap left and right hubs to see if the noise moves.

[wheelhaus]

Originally Posted by Nylander

Yeah, I'm wondering if they did a shoddy alignment. They didn't even notice the wheel bearing and that was obvious.

So after having a few other people in the car with me, I'm pretty sure the noise is coming from the front passenger side and not the rear after all.

The noise is really not that noticeable and you can feel it more than you can hear it.

After a bit more driving, I found that you CAN hear it faintly driving straight, but it's louder when you turn left. It does fade away completely on right turns. It's also periodic and directly proportional to speed. It is a slow/low pitch "wub wub wub."

The noise is unaffected by braking as well and the wheel seems to turn freely when jacked up.

To me, all signs point to the wheel bearing being bad, but I replaced it already with the Subaru OEM part. I don't know anymore. I am only in the country for another week or so and then I'll be in Japan for three years, so I have to sell the car and I'd hate to sell it with some lingering, if only minor, issue.

Its possible the new bearing was damaged when installed. If bearings are installed/pressed incorrectly, the race or roller surfaces can be gouged (even if its only slightly), which will eventually lead to failure.

[Nylander]

Originally Posted by wheelhaus

Its possible the new bearing was damaged when installed. If bearings are installed/pressed incorrectly, the race or roller surfaces can be gouged (even if its only slightly), which will eventually lead to failure.

The hub and bearing is one piece, so if it was pressed incorrectly, it's on Subaru not me. Just installing the hub couldn't have much effect on on the actual bearing, right? It literally rests in the knuckle.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Nylander

The hub and bearing is one piece, so if it was pressed incorrectly, it's on Subaru not me. Just installing the hub couldn't have much effect on on the actual bearing, right? It literally rests in the knuckle.

Correct, it would be on Subaru but @wheelhaus' point is valid. Human error in assembly is always possible. Someone had a bad day, press misaligned, blah blah... A failed bearing will still turn freely. The way to tell is more by perceived noise and possibly some play in the hub. For the front, it's easy. Remove the wheel, take a screwdriver and gently pry apart the brake pucks just enough so they don't rub against the rotor, and reinstall the wheel. Then while it's still jacked up, give the wheel a good spin. You should hear absolutely nothing. If you hear even the slightest hint of rumble, the bearing is toast.

Rear wheels are harder because of the diff but it's doable. You just have to know that telltale sound.

[Nylander]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Correct, it would be on Subaru but @wheelhaus' point is valid. Human error in assembly is always possible. Someone had a bad day, press misaligned, blah blah... A failed bearing will still turn freely. The way to tell is more by perceived noise and possibly some play in the hub. For the front, it's easy. Remove the wheel, take a screwdriver and gently pry apart the brake pucks just enough so they don't rub against the rotor, and reinstall the wheel. Then while it's still jacked up, give the wheel a good spin. You should hear absolutely nothing. If you hear even the slightest hint of rumble, the bearing is toast.

Rear wheels are harder because of the diff but it's doable. You just have to know that telltale sound.

Well, I swapped the hubs left to right and all the symptoms switched as well. So if the hub wasn't put together wrong, then the driver's side failed. I am glad I know what it is at least. Thanks for the feedback everybody, I appreciate it.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Nylander

Well, I swapped the hubs left to right and all the symptoms switched as well. So if the hub wasn't put together wrong, then the driver's side failed. I am glad I know what it is at least. Thanks for the feedback everybody, I appreciate it.

Very cool.

These hub assemblies are precision items but there are still manufacturing tolerances to consider. It may be negligible but a new hub assembly will change alignment of the wheel relative to the axle carrier. Once you're satisfied in your repairs, even if it's just to verify, it's time for another alignment.

[wheelhaus]

Ah I wasn't aware the bearings are factory installed, and the entire assembly is replaced. Good to know.