I have a 2002 forester that I think needs a front wheelbearing or two. Is there any reason not to swap to unit bearing front hubs from an 05+ legacy? They look more or less the same... Looks like they should just bolt in and work. But before I go buy a set, is there any reason this won't work?

Have you replaced the rear bearings yet? Those are the common noisemakers on the Foz. Easy check is to fold the rear seats down. If the rumble gets louder, one of the rear bearings is bad.

 

Dunno about fitment of the 05 legacy knuckle. Might check opposedforces for interchangeability on that.

You know, I was BS'ing with a friend the other day thinking someone should make a full knuckle swap assembly.  Essentially something like this: http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=4785570&cc=1269019&jnid=523&jpid=0 but with the bearing already installed for us DIY guys without a hydraulic press.  

The problem with that is the cost.

A knuckle ( even a used one will cost something), the bearing, new hub and seals, plus labor for assembly... The cost adds up.

Not to mention, that whole setup is heavy, which adds to the shipping cost if its sold online.

Its much cheaper to take your own knuckle to a machine shop and have them do the press-work for $40-50.

That was my point. I would pay $90 to $100 + a core for one already done.

I can get 05 legacy knuckles for about $50 each. I don't have a press, so by the time have a machine shop put new bearings in for me I'll break even.

 

The rear bearings on this don't seem to be bad, the wheels rotate very smoothly, no play, and when I turn the wheel there's no vibration in the spring. I know that last one is a controversial way of checking for bad bearings ... but it sounds like it's coming from the front. The previous owner of the car had it worked on at a shop full of idiots who apparently stripped out a wheel stud. That side has all new studs, but no sign of the bearing being replaced. Which means it likely got a good dose of someone beating the hell out of it to replace the studs...