2000 Forester "road noise" or bad wheel bearing?

Question

The last few weeks it seems as if I'm getting a lot more road noise in the back of my 2000 Forester than I had previously. I've tried adjusting the tire pressures (I've heard both 29 psi and 32 psi as the best "optimum" pressure), but that didn't seem to help. Of course, I could also be imagining it as well, I suppose!

I called up the local dealership and explained what I was hearing, and the service manager told me that it could also very well be that one or both of my rear wheel bearings (or something like that) might be going bad.

Does this seem like a plausible alternative explanation to the pros on this newgroups? Any and all serious feedback more than welcome!

P. Ruzicka Aurora, CO

Carl 1 Lucky Texan · Accepted Answer

Very plausible. Does it seem worse when veering/turning one direction over another?Carl

Larry Van Wormer · Answer

That sounds exactly like the failed wheel bearing I encountered in my MY02 Impreza!

I think that's what the problem is, you should check the past posts in this group for details on which types of bearing to have installed, and some notes on problems with getting them lubricated correctly.

Larry Van Wormer

ruzicka · Answer

Hmmm...no, I don't think it seems any worse when turning.  I'll have to think of that when next driving, to see if there's any difference.

ruzicka · Answer

Is it possible that all that needs to be done is lubricate these bearings, or does a "bad" bearing automatically mean replacement?

Larry Van Wormer · Answer

Replacement is needed. If it's making any noise there is damage to the bearing surfaces, and that can't be helped by lubrication.Larry Van Wormer

Edward Hayes · Answer

My Forester also developed road noise and having had experience with wheel bearing on other cars I was 80% sure it was a bearing. My nephew was checking my tires and noticed a front to back feathering( front of tread blocks lower than the back of the tread block). I rotated tires and found little difference in road noise. Several thousands of miles later I got new tires and the noise was gone. Don't rule out tires too quick. I now rotate my tires in a modified X as suggested by TireRack and other tire manufactures to minimize this type of problem. ed

ruzicka · Answer

Any wild guess as to how much replacement, per wheel, may cost?

Larry Van Wormer · Answer

The one I had done recently cost me close to $300 Canadian, including the bearing and a couple of seals. No real idea if that's a good price or not. (I had the stronger Legacy-type bearing installed.)

Larry Van Wormer

Dave - Dave.net.nz · Answer

I have a 97 Grand Wagon(Jap assembled OBW) and I just recently had the same problem, and it was the rear wheel bearings.

2000 Forester "road noise" or bad wheel bearing?

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