How long do wheel bearings last on a Subaru Outback?
Wheel bearings on a Subaru Outback typically last between 80,000 to 160,000 miles, depending on various factors. However, the exact lifespan can vary significantly based on driving conditions, maintenance, and other vehicle-specific considerations.
Understanding Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings are essential components in a vehicle's suspension system, responsible for allowing the wheels to spin freely while supporting the weight of the car. They are designed to withstand the constant stress and friction generated by the rotation of the wheels, but over time, they can wear down and require replacement.
Factors Affecting Wheel Bearing Lifespan
- Driving Conditions: Harsh driving environments, such as off-road use, heavy towing, or frequent exposure to water and debris, can accelerate the wear and tear on wheel bearings.
- Maintenance: Regular inspections, proper lubrication, and timely replacement of worn bearings can significantly extend their lifespan.
- Vehicle Age and Mileage: Older Subaru Outbacks with higher mileage are more likely to experience wheel bearing issues, as the components have had more time to wear down.
- Manufacturing Quality: The quality of the wheel bearings installed in the Subaru Outback can also impact their longevity, with higher-quality bearings typically lasting longer.
It's important to note that the lifespan of wheel bearings can vary widely, and regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to ensuring the safety and performance of your Subaru Outback.
Signs of Wheel Bearing Failure
Some common signs that your Subaru Outback's wheel bearings may be failing include:
- Unusual Noises: Grinding, humming, or whirring sounds coming from the wheels.
- Vibrations: Noticeable vibrations or shaking in the steering wheel or chassis.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Premature or uneven wear on the tires, which can be a sign of misalignment caused by a failing bearing.
- Difficulty Steering: Increased effort required to turn the steering wheel, which may indicate a problem with the wheel bearings.
If you notice any of these signs, it's important to have your Subaru Outback inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of your vehicle.
Can a wheel fall off if the wheel bearing is bad?
Wheel bearings connect your car's wheels to axles. They're steel rings with small, lubricated steel balls inside them that allow the wheels to spin at high speeds with minimal friction. Although rare, faulty bearings can cause an entire wheel to fall off your car while you're driving.
What are the first signs of bearing failure?
We focus on the warning signs that are indicative of poor bearing condition, such as squeaking and grinding noises. Indicators like excessive vibration, will increase bearing noise, the rate of fatigue, and shorten the bearing's service life.
How to check if wheel bearings are bad?
Signs of a bad wheel bearing
- Noise. This is the most obvious one.
- Car looseness. This one is also very clear and logical, the bearing is allocated between mechanisms that work very tight, if the bearing gets worn out, then, all the systems will get loose and you will feel the car.
- Heat.
- Steering wheel pulling.
How much does a wheel bearing cost for a Subaru?
What's the cost for wheel bearing replacement on my Subaru. For a national average across all vehicles, the average cost to replace the wheel bearings (for 1 wheel) is about $350.
How often do Subaru wheel bearings need to be replaced?
100,000 miles
Typically, there is no maintenance required for your Subaru wheel bearings, but a replacement is usually needed after 100,000 miles of driving. Subaru features two different types of wheel bearings, and your model might have one or the other, depending on how old it is.
How do I know if my Subaru Outback wheel bearings are bad?
Wiggle the tire back and forth, toward and away from your body (not left and right). Does the tire move back and forth? There won't be any play at all with a good wheel hub assembly. If there's some play, then your Subaru wheel bearing is bad.
At what mileage do wheel bearings go bad?
Wheel bearings typically need to be replaced every 85000 to 100000 miles, but this can vary based on driving conditions and vehicle type. Signs that your wheel bearings may need replacement include:
What causes Subaru bearing failure?
Why Do Rod Bearings Commonly Fail on Subarus? Well… it all has to do with oil, the oiling system, and the general small surface area of Subaru rod bearing. Oil contamination or “dirty oil” causes little scratches or scoring on the bearings which impedes them from keeping a consistent oil film.
What is the life expectancy of a wheel bearing?
approximately 85,000-100,000 miles
As mentioned previously, the average life of wheel bearings is approximately 85,000-100,000 miles. However, that lifespan can be shortened if you hit a curb, speed bump, or pothole at high speeds. Contamination from water, mud, road salt, or sand can also shorten the life of your wheel bearings.
Do bearings give warning before they fail?
The fundamental frequency and harmonics begin to decrease as the random ultrasonic noise is boosted. Temperatures will start to skyrocket as the bearing self-destructs. So, the short answer is yes. There are definitely warning signs of a bearing about to fail.
