I just bought a used 2000 forester with 65,000 miles on it. After a 400 mile trip the rear brakes (I think) made a low grinding noise. When I pulled over there was smoke coming thru the passenger rear tire area with a strong smell. Does this sound like I need a new brake job?

Which Forester? I believe 2000 L's have drums, while's S's have disc's.

 

Either way, it's quite possible your wheel bearing is shot. One way to tell is to see if you can feel any side to side play on the wheel when jacked up. If it is the bearings, replace with legacy roller bearings.

 

This happened on my '99 Forester around 70k, also passenger side. I do not recall smoke or a strong smell however. Subaru used ball bearings on some Foresters and Impreza's which in some instances have failed. Cost me around $350 to replace.

Thanks for your reply. It's the L series. Car is undriveable. I'm frustrated b/c i just bought it YESTERDAY! it's in the shop now, so we'll see.

You were right. It's the blasted wheel bearings! and perhaps the hub.

 

I just want to say that this site is fabulous! Today is my first day and i've really enjoyed reading thru the message boards and learning all the things that could go wrong with my car;)

 

I plan to visit regularly - how fun to be included in the "Subaru Community" now!

You were right. It's the blasted wheel bearings! and perhaps the hub.

 

I just want to say that this site is fabulous! Today is my first day and i've really enjoyed reading thru the message boards and learning all the things that could go wrong with my car;)

 

I plan to visit regularly - how fun to be included in the "Subaru Community" now!

 

Glad to be of help and welcome to USMB! It's a great resource for all things Subaru!

 

Where did you buy your Forester from? Dealer, private sale? They ought to pay for it, because the undersized wheel bearings degraded over time - at least that was my experience - they don't just "melt down" in one day. When you test drove it, did you notice any low droning sound that you couldn't exactly pinpoint?

 

It's kind of a bummer to start out with a service bill right away, but the Forester is a great car, provided you keep up with the maintenance. Definitely check to make it's up to date with recalls and service campaigns.