98 Outback 2.5L - I am getting a whining/squealing noise when I steer to one side even slightly while moving at moderate speeds. I can hear it while I have the windows down. Sounds like a wheel bearing going to me. Is this a do it yourself job? If so where can I find some instructions? If not what can I expect to pay?

 

Thanks in advance

wheel bearings don't make a whining squealing sound. They make a low humming and get louder with speed and as you corner and put load on that wheel.

 

Probably something accessory belt or power steering pump related.

 

Wheel bearing is a pretty tough do it yourself job because they're pressed into the knuckles. If you search you will find a lot on the subject.

Hmmm I would expect noise to either side if it was pump related.

Maybe it's an axle or scraping dust shield. Squealing is certainly not what I would call a wheel bearing dying.

Does it do it at idle when steering to that one side?

Nope not even a little bit. I can steer the wheel while stationary and idling all the way to both sides without noise.

If it turns out to be a wheel bearing, you can get the spindle and hub with bearing from a wrecking yard for 50.00 to 75.00 dollars, put it on your car. Then if you want to learn to do your own you can buy a press from Harbor Freight and practice with your old spindle and hub. I posted a how to under the title how to conquer the wheel bearing a while back you should be able to find it with the search feature. Others here have done theirs with a Hub tamer which you can also find information with the search.

98 Outback 2.5L - I am getting a whining/squealing noise when I steer to one side even slightly while moving at moderate speeds. I can hear it while I have the windows down. Sounds like a wheel bearing going to me. Is this a do it yourself job? If so where can I find some instructions? If not what can I expect to pay?

 

Thanks in advance

a wheel bearing with scream and squeel if it really goes.. the humming and rumbling is just it warming up to fair

if it siezes up... it's scream like a.... well... you can fill that part in yourself :-p