How long should Subaru wheel bearings last?
Wheel bearings are a critical component of your Subaru's suspension system, ensuring smooth wheel rotation and supporting the vehicle's weight. As a Subaru owner, you might wonder how long these essential parts are expected to last and what factors influence their lifespan. In this article, we’ll explore the typical lifespan of Subaru wheel bearings, signs of wear, and tips to extend their longevity.
Typical Lifespan of Subaru Wheel Bearings
On average, Subaru wheel bearings are designed to last between 85,000 and 100,000 miles. However, this lifespan can vary depending on several factors, including driving conditions, maintenance habits, and the quality of the bearings themselves. For example, if you frequently drive on rough or unpaved roads, your wheel bearings may wear out faster due to increased stress and exposure to dirt and debris.
Signs That Your Subaru Wheel Bearings May Be Failing
It’s essential to recognize the warning signs of failing wheel bearings to address the issue promptly and avoid further damage to your vehicle. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
- Unusual Noises: A humming, grinding, or growling noise coming from the wheels, especially when turning, can indicate a worn-out wheel bearing.
- Vibration or Wobbling: If you feel vibrations in the steering wheel or notice the wheels wobbling, it could be due to a failing bearing.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Damaged wheel bearings can cause uneven tire wear, as they affect the alignment and rotation of the wheels.
- ABS Warning Light: In some cases, a faulty wheel bearing can trigger the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) warning light on your dashboard.
Factors That Affect Wheel Bearing Lifespan
Several factors can influence how long your Subaru wheel bearings last. Understanding these can help you take proactive steps to extend their lifespan:
- Driving Conditions: Frequent driving on rough terrain, potholes, or gravel roads can accelerate wear and tear on wheel bearings.
- Weather Exposure: Driving in wet, snowy, or salty conditions can lead to corrosion and contamination of the bearings.
- Maintenance Practices: Regular inspections and timely replacement of damaged seals can prevent dirt and moisture from entering the bearings.
- Quality of Replacement Parts: Using high-quality OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) bearings during replacements ensures better durability and performance.
Tips to Extend the Life of Your Subaru Wheel Bearings
While wheel bearings will eventually wear out, you can take steps to maximize their lifespan and maintain your Subaru’s performance:
- Drive Carefully: Avoid hitting potholes, curbs, or driving on rough terrain whenever possible.
- Keep Bearings Clean: Ensure that the seals around the bearings are intact to prevent contamination from dirt and moisture.
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Have your wheel bearings checked during routine maintenance to catch any issues early.
- Replace Bearings in Pairs: If one wheel bearing fails, it’s often a good idea to replace the bearings on both sides of the axle to ensure balanced performance.
Conclusion
Subaru wheel bearings typically last between 85,000 and 100,000 miles, but their lifespan can vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance practices. By staying vigilant for signs of wear and following the tips outlined above, you can help ensure your wheel bearings last as long as possible. If you suspect an issue with your wheel bearings, don’t hesitate to bring your Subaru to a trusted auto repair shop like Kevin’s Autos for a professional inspection and repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average life 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.
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.
Should you replace all wheel bearings at the same time?
If your budget allows, it might be prudent to change both components simultaneously to minimize future repair costs. However, if you are facing budget constraints, replacing only the failed part is an option, provided the other side is in good condition.
How soon should I replace a wheel bearing?
every 85,000-100,000 miles
It would be extremely dangerous to drive with old wheel bearings, as it may cause your wheels to stop turning entirely and abruptly. You should expect to replace wheel bearings every 85,000-100,000 miles.
How do I know if my Subaru wheel bearings are bad?
Your wheel bearing might be bad if you hear unusual sounds like humming, squeaking, or clicking. Some experts say a bad wheel bearing can sound like a bird chirping. Also, if your car wobbles or pulls to one side, you will want to get it checked.
Are all Subaru wheel bearings the same?
Subaru features two different types of wheel bearings, and your model might have one or the other, depending on how old it is. The first type is simple in its construction, and it is common for most Subaru cars that were built before the year of 2006 and after 1991.
Can you drive with a bad wheel bearing?
Can I drive with a bad wheel bearing? No, it can be very dangerous. The bearings can cause a severe problem if they malfunction. As we said before, extreme heat can be caused by friction, and this can cause a sudden seize of the bearing, causing the wheel to get blocked at whatever speed we are driving at that moment.
At what mileage do wheel bearings go bad?
They make the world go 'round. Most serviceable wheel bearings need maintenance every 25000 to 30000 miles, or during every brake service. But, the average life of a sealed wheel bearing and hub assembly is about 85000 to 100000 miles, without the opportunity for a technician to repack the bearings.
How often do Subaru wheel bearings need to be replaced?
How long does a wheel bearing last? Wheel bearings have an average lifespan of 136,000 to 160,000 km (approximately 85,000 to 100,000 miles). This is only a rule of thumb though, the actual lifespan of a wheel bearing depends on the quality of the wheel bearing and the operating conditions.
What are the signs of a bad wheel bearing?
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.
