How long do wheel bearings last on a Subaru Outback?
Wheel bearings are a critical component of your Subaru Outback's suspension system, ensuring smooth wheel rotation and supporting the vehicle's weight. Understanding their lifespan and maintenance needs can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. In this article, we’ll explore how long wheel bearings typically last on a Subaru Outback and what factors can influence their longevity.
Typical Lifespan of Wheel Bearings
On average, wheel bearings on a Subaru Outback can last anywhere from 85,000 to 100,000 miles. However, this range can vary depending on driving conditions, maintenance habits, and the quality of the bearings themselves. Subaru vehicles are known for their durability, and with proper care, the wheel bearings can often exceed this mileage range.
Factors That Affect Wheel Bearing Longevity
Several factors can influence how long your Subaru Outback's wheel bearings last. Here are the most common ones:
- Driving Conditions: Frequent driving on rough roads, potholes, or off-road terrain can put extra stress on the wheel bearings, leading to premature wear.
- Weather and Environment: Exposure to water, road salt, and debris can cause corrosion or contamination of the bearings, reducing their lifespan.
- Maintenance Practices: Regular inspections and timely replacement of damaged seals can help protect the bearings from dirt and moisture.
- Quality of Replacement Parts: If you’ve replaced your wheel bearings before, the quality of the replacement parts plays a significant role in their durability. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are often more reliable than aftermarket alternatives.
Signs of Failing Wheel Bearings
It’s essential to recognize the warning signs of failing wheel bearings to address the issue before it leads to more significant problems. Look out for the following symptoms:
- Unusual Noises: A humming, grinding, or growling noise coming from the wheels, especially when turning, is a common indicator of worn-out bearings.
- Vibration or Wobbling: Excessive vibration or wobbling in the steering wheel or vehicle can signal a problem with the wheel bearings.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Damaged wheel bearings can cause uneven tire wear due to improper wheel alignment.
- ABS Warning Light: In some cases, a failing wheel bearing can trigger the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) warning light on your dashboard.
When to Replace Wheel Bearings
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s crucial to have your Subaru Outback inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with a failing wheel bearing can lead to unsafe driving conditions and further damage to your vehicle. Typically, wheel bearings should be replaced in pairs (front or rear) to ensure balanced performance and safety.
Conclusion
While wheel bearings on a Subaru Outback can last up to 100,000 miles or more, their lifespan depends on various factors, including driving habits, environmental conditions, and maintenance practices. Regular inspections and prompt attention to warning signs can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable. If you suspect an issue with your wheel bearings, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a trusted auto repair shop like Kevin’s Autos for a thorough inspection and expert service.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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:
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
