Hi,

First, let me say hello to everyone, as I'm new here.

I have a 98 Forester that I purchased new. Recently, I notice a noise from the rear right wheel (at least it sounds like that's where it originates). as I mentioned in the title, it's a grinding or whirring type noise. hard to describe.

I live in NYC, and only have 38000 miles on it, but they're tough miles on mean streets. Any thoughts? bearings? i gotta find a mechanic, but i'd like to go there with some idea of what the problem is. at least appear to know what I'm talking about.

 

I love my car, and this is the first problem i've had in 8 years.

 

thanks

 

steve

sounds like a bad bearing, try turning one way, and then the other to see if the sound gets worse (turning while moving)

Foresters and Imps have inadaquate rear bearings. The fix is to use a Legacy bearing for replacement. The noise could be several things but that is common, and you are right that you need a trustworthy garage.

does sound like the tell tale bad rear bearing.

 

beefy Legacy replacement bearing is what you want.

 

To view pricing, or to order - go here:

 

1) https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/oe_parts_cat.html

 

2) look up by part numbers below

bearing - 28016AA030

oil seal - 28015AA090

oil seal - 28015AA100

oil seal - 28015AA110

 

axle nut (recommended) - 28044AA000

snap ring (recommended) - 28035AA040

 

let me know if you have questions.

this should get your whirring grinding noise sorted!

 

Happy Holidays!!

Jamie Thomas

Jamie at chaplins.com

***************************

http://www.subiegal.com

Oh yeah, you're most likely going to need a shop to change out the bearing, because you're "supposed" to use a hydrolic press to get them in and out.. pain in the rump roast if you ask me. I've had it done 3 times now (twice they didn't know about the legacy bearing), cost about.. $300 labor + parts, but if you get parts via Jamie it'll drive your cost down

Thanks for the replies.

The noise doesn't change while turning either way. I took my father in law for a ride, and he thinks it is my brakes. Could rear brakes make noise when not stepping on the brake pedal?

 

steve

BTW...

I don't know if it makes a difference, but it's a 5 speed.

 

steve

I am pretty sure the 98 Forester still used drum brakes in the rear. It is possible that the shoes are not fully retracting, for whatever reason, and rubbing against the drum.

 

I guess I would try and gently pull the parking brake up while driving to see if the noise changes, but make sure you keep your finger on the button so you don't engage the ratcheting mechanism. Can you "feel" anything when you do this? You could also stick your finger through the rim to touch the drum after driving...If one is really warm and the other isn't too bad, then that may help guide you in the right direction.

 

If it isn't your brakes, then it is the wheel bearing. 1998 Foresters love to chew them up and spit them out.

 

Take care,

Kevin