The right rear passenger wheel bearing has had to be replaced 5..yes...FIVE times. This last time it took the spindle, sensors, etc... with it. To the tune of 900.00. The little clock has quit working, and I am noticing a hesitation in the automatic shifting. From what I've read here, mine is one of the BETTER ones... and that's not soothing, AT ALL.
I am really disappointed in this Forester. I drive 67 miles a day one way to work. I was counting on it lasting AT LEAST as long as my Chevrolet Prism. It lasted 260,000 miles and probably cost me about $1500 in ten years. I'm lucky to get by with $1500 per repair on this Subaru. I feel that I have been hoodwinked by Consumer Reports. I did investigation for 15 months before I bought the Forester. I am truly jaded and will probably NEVER own another Subaru.. and that's too bad because I drive in snow and the road handling is terrific.
Repeated problems with the wheel bearings are most likely due to improper installation. Although the original bearing was not as strong as it should have been, an updated roller-type bearing from a Legacy is an upgrade replacement, but unless the factory recommended procedure is followed, the bearing can be distorted during installation, resulting in premature failure.
Any competent mechanic would have read the Subaru Service Bulletin regarding this repair and taken the necessary care during installation.
Note: A Comments RSS Feed is available. New comments appear in the Members Area before the main site