Hi, I have an 2002 H6 LL Bean. For the past few weeks, I hear a high pitched squeak when going in reverse (esp when steering in one direction). It seems to be coming from the front wheels. I do not hear a noise when braking. With only 20k miles, could this already be brake wear? Or might the sensor need adjusting??

 

Many thanks!

Hi, I have an 2002 H6 LL Bean. For the past few weeks, I hear a high pitched squeak when going in reverse (esp when steering in one direction). It seems to be coming from the front wheels. I do not hear a noise when braking. With only 20k miles, could this already be brake wear? Or might the sensor need adjusting??

 

Many thanks!

Could this be a noisey drive belt for you power steering? Might back and and steer hard right and left and see if this is your noise.

at everything. You probably have a few salty winters on it now don't you?

Put it on jackstands if you can't find a lift and look it over carefully. Spin the wheels by hand and look for play. Turn the steering and see if you feel any looseness. Then pull the wheels and inspect the brake pads.

It is concieveable to have a brake failure or wheel bearing fail at that mileage in a harsh climate.

Why not look and be safe? If it is your first time get help from an experienced person if you can.

Hi, I have an 2002 H6 LL Bean. For the past few weeks, I hear a high pitched squeak when going in reverse (esp when steering in one direction). It seems to be coming from the front wheels. I do not hear a noise when braking. With only 20k miles, could this already be brake wear? Or might the sensor need adjusting??

 

Many thanks!

 

I have the exact same car (well, my is a 2003 but everything else is the same), and I have this problem all too often. Unfortunetely, you're not going to like this, but it IS your brakes, namely your front ones. Yes, 20,000 miles is far too soon for this to be the case, but in fact, this IS the case. Take it to the dealership and get them replaced under warranty. However, they will tell you nothing is wrong with the amount of wear and it "must be your driving". Actually, they will tell you lots of BS. The real cause is unknown but probably a design defect SOA doesn't want to fess up to. I have 45,000 on mine right now and have had to replace the front brakes 3 times now, rotors twice, and Subaru insist its how I drive (and they seem very defensive on the subject). The funny thing is, I have had 2 other Outbacks and had no problems even remotely like this. Sure they were 4 cylinder instead of 6 as I (and yourself) have now, but there is only 185 pounds difference which shouldn't make THAT much of a difference. My driving style hasn't changed at all either and my commute is EXACTLY the same.

 

Bottom line, Subaru is screwing with people like you and I. There IS a problem they are aware of, but they just don't seem to want to admit it. Prepare for heavy expenses down the road. In fact, do the work quickly and you might be able to lemon-law it depending on where you live and how quickly the cycle repeats.

 

Good luck, and keep us posted. I am trying to gather as much info on this subject as I can...

Beach you ought to take his advice. Seems like I remember a few more late Outback owners on the board saying the same thing.

Makes me think they failed to fit a large enough brake for the additional weight.

You might search the archives on this to help you discuss it with the dealer.

It seems Subaru loves to find something interesting to do on every model.

Cookie is right. Search and ye shall find. Indeed as I recall the post, there is an upgraded (larger) rotor and brake assembly on later models that accomodates the increase in weight. See if the dealer or SOA would cut you a deal to upgrade now since you'll have to be paying the price every 25K miles yourself otherwise.

Thanks all, I'll see what local dealer has to say and let you know.

just out of curiosity, when you're backing up and hear the squealing, does it also feel like there is some resistance (i.e. the brake is on?).

 

Kevin

If I'm not mistaken, it was only the 2000's that had the smaller front brakes. I believe they upgraded the rotor size etc in 2001.

 

Sounds like it is still marginal.

 

Commuter

Update: car needed brake pads. Replaced and rotors turned under warranty.

For what it's worth, I happened to stumble accross this. Could just be coincidence...

 

http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=3022