What You Need to Know About 2017 Subaru Forester Wheel Bearing Problems

The 2017 Subaru Forester is a mid-sized SUV that has proven to be a reliable and capable vehicle. However, some owners have reported wheel bearing issues with their 2017 Forester. These wheel bearing problems can lead to premature wear and tear on the wheel bearings, resulting in increased noise, vibration, and difficulty steering the vehicle. In some cases, the wheel bearings may fail completely, resulting in damage to other suspension components or even a complete loss of control of your vehicle. To address this issue, Subaru has issued a recall on certain 2017 Foresters to replace the defective wheel bearings. If you own a 2017 Forester and are experiencing any of these issues, it is important to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible.

Automobile: 2017 Subaru Forester Wheel Bearing Problems

What is a Wheel Bearing?

A wheel bearing is a type of bearing that is designed to support the rotation of a vehicle’s wheel. It is typically made up of hardened steel and functions by allowing the wheel to rotate with minimal friction. The wheel bearing also helps to disperse the weight of the vehicle evenly over the wheels and tires. Types of wheel bearings include ball bearings, tapered roller bearings, and double-row radial ball bearings.

Function of Wheel Bearings

The primary purpose of a wheel bearing is to facilitate smooth and efficient rotation of the wheels. It also helps reduce vibrations and noise levels caused by the movement of the wheels. In addition, it helps to maintain proper alignment while driving, as well as providing overall stability and safety while on the road. Furthermore, a good quality wheel bearing will increase fuel efficiency by decreasing resistance against rotational forces.

Subaru Forester Wheel Bearings

The 2017 Subaru Forester model uses tapered roller bearings for its wheels. These bearings are specifically designed for increased durability against impact and shock loads, as well as being able to handle higher speed applications without any issues. Additionally, these types of bearings are low friction which helps improve fuel efficiency. Features include an outer race-formed from hardened steel which offers superior performance over other types of wheel bearings; inner race which provides improved strength; two rows of rollers which distribute weight evenly throughout the bearing; tapered profile for improved cornering performance; and lubrication grooves for added protection against wear and tear.

Common Issues with Subaru Forester Wheel Bearings

Issues with Subaru Forester wheel bearings are not uncommon, especially in older models that have been exposed to harsh conditions such as dirt roads or off-road driving. The most common problem involves malfunctioning or worn out wheel bearings which can cause excessive vibration or noise while driving along with reduced steering control due to misalignment or play in the wheels caused by faulty or worn out bearings. In some cases, these issues can even lead to uneven tire wear if left unchecked for too long.

Causes of Malfunctioning Subaru Forester Wheel Bearings

The primary causes for malfunctioning Subaru Forester wheel bearings are age, lack of proper maintenance, environmental factors such as water intrusion into the bearing seals due to potholes or off-road driving, as well as excessive load placed on them from driving conditions such as hill climbing or high speed cornering maneuvers. Additionally, poor installation methods can also lead to premature failure due to abnormal loading on one side or both sides of the bearing assembly causing it to fail prematurely if not addressed quickly enough.

Troubleshooting Subaru Forester Wheel Bearing Problems

In order to properly troubleshoot any issues with your Subaru Forester’s wheel bearings you will need first inspect all nuts, bolts and fasteners associated with them before attempting any repairs or replacements on your own; this includes making sure all nuts are properly torqued down before continuing on any further work on your vehicle’s suspension system components such as its shocks absorbers or struts etc… Once everything looks secure you can then begin checking each individual component for signs wear or damage such as pitting in metal surfaces where surfaces rub together like inside hubcaps etc… Additionally checking any grease seals on your suspension system components can help diagnose potential issues before they become major problems down the road so make sure you do this step even if everything appears fine initially during your visual inspection process .

Ways To Prevent Subaru Forester Wheel Bearing Issues

There are various ways that you can prevent issues from arising with your Subaru Forester’s wheel bearings in order keep them functioning properly over time but regular maintenance is key here so make sure you follow through with it regularly using recommended practices from your vehicle’s owner’s manual when doing so . This includes inspecting them annually for signs wear or damage using a flashlight if necessary , replacing any missing parts promptly , making sure all nuts & bolts are properly tightened/torqued down , greasing them when necessary , keeping any exposed parts clean & free from debris buildup , sealing against water intrusion where applicable , etc… Additionally having qualified mechanics look over your suspension system components at least once per year will help ensure everything remains in optimal condition throughout its life cycle .

Professional Help For 2017 Subaru Forester Wheel Bearing Problems

If you’re experiencing problems with your 2017 Subaru Foresters’s wheel bearing then professional assistance may be necessary in order get things back up & running correctly again . Qualified mechanics who specialize in this particular field should be sought after when dealing with these types repairs & replacements since they possess specialized knowledge & tools that can help identify underlying causes more accurately & efficiently than someone who isn’t familiarized with automotive repair/maintenance procedures . Not only that but their experience & expertise can also help minimize potential risks associated with DIY projects gone wrong so it’s best leave these types jobs up professionals whenever possible .

Benefits Of Professional Assistance For Repairing 2017 Subaru Foresters Wheels Bearings By utilizing professional services when dealing with 2017 Subaru foresters’s wheel bearing problems you’ll not only be able get accurate diagnoses & effective solutions more quickly but also benefit from their specialized knowledge base/experience which often proves invaluable when dealing complex mechanical issues like these ones . Furthermore having qualified mechanics look into these sorts issues usually results quicker resolution times leading less downtime overall meaning that you won’t have wait long get back out onto open roads again !

Overview

The 2017 Subaru Forester is a popular compact SUV and a great choice for those looking for reliable transportation. However, like with any vehicle, there can be problems that arise over time. One issue that has been reported by some owners of the 2017 Subaru Forester is wheel bearing problems. This article will provide an overview of the issue, what causes it and how to address it.

What Causes Wheel Bearing Problems?

Wheel bearing problems in the 2017 Subaru Forester can be attributed to a few different causes. One of the most common issues is simply wear and tear on the bearings themselves, which can occur over time due to regular use and exposure to dirt, debris and moisture. In addition, poor installation or incorrect maintenance can also lead to wheel bearing issues in the 2017 Subaru Forester.

Signs of Wheel Bearing Problems

When wheel bearing problems arise in the 2017 Subaru Forester, there are a few signs that you should be aware of. One sign is a grinding or rubbing noise coming from one of the wheels when you turn or accelerate your vehicle. You may also notice vibrations coming from one of your wheels when driving at higher speeds or notice that your vehicle pulls slightly in one direction while driving. If you experience any of these symptoms with your 2017 Subaru Forester, it is important to have your wheel bearings inspected as soon as possible.

Diagnosing Wheel Bearing Problems

If you suspect that you have a wheel bearing problem with your 2017 Subaru Forester, it is important to have it inspected immediately by an experienced mechanic who specializes in this type of repair work. During the inspection process, the mechanic will perform tests on each wheel which may include checking for play in each bearing as well as measuring for any signs of wear or damage on each bearing surface. After inspecting all four wheels, they will be able to determine if any repairs are necessary and provide an estimate for how much this repair work will cost.

Repairing Wheel Bearing Problems

If your mechanic determines that repairs need to be made on your 2017 Subaru Forester’s wheel bearings, they will begin by removing all four wheels from the vehicle so they can access each bearing directly to replace them if necessary. The new bearings will then be installed using special tools designed specifically for this type of repair work. Once all four bearings have been replaced and tested for proper operation, they will then reinstall all four wheels and make sure they are properly aligned before returning your vehicle back to you in top condition.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is a Wheel Bearing?
A: A wheel bearing is a set of steel balls held together by a metal ring. It helps in the smooth rotation of the wheels and aids in the load-bearing capacity of the vehicle.

Q: What are the Types of Wheel Bearings?
A: The two main types of wheel bearings are tapered roller bearings and ball bearings. Tapered roller bearings contain four interdependent components – an inner race, an outer race, tapered rollers and cages that hold the rollers in place. Ball bearings, on the other hand, contain four components – an inner ring, an outer ring, steel balls and cages that hold them in place.

Q: What is the Function of Wheel Bearings?
A: The primary function of wheel bearings is to reduce friction between the wheel assembly and axle. They also support radial and axial loads which allow for smoother rotation when driving or turning corners. Furthermore, they help to keep dirt and water out of the wheel assemblies.

Q: What are Common Issues with Subaru Forester Wheel Bearings?
A: Common issues with Subaru Forester wheel bearings include bearing wear due to high temperatures or inadequate lubrication, as well as noise from worn-out or damaged bearings. In some cases, wheel bearing seals can become cracked or worn out due to age or excessive heat exposure causing oil leakage. Other problems may include excess vibration caused by misalignment or bent shafts that cause excessive loads on wheel bearings leading to premature failure.

Q: How Can I Prevent Subaru Forester Wheel Bearing Issues?
A: Regular maintenance is key when it comes to preventing Subaru Forester wheel bearing issues from occurring. This includes checking for any signs of wear or damage such as noise from worn-out parts or oil leakage from seal cracks. Additionally, adequate lubrication should be applied regularly to ensure that all components remain well-lubricated while driving or turning corners at high speeds. Lastly, it is important to have a qualified mechanic inspect your vehicle’s wheel assemblies periodically to ensure proper functioning of all components including its wheel bearing system.

In conclusion, the Subaru Forester has been known to suffer from wheel bearing problems in 2017. While this is a common issue for many cars, the Forester was particularly affected due to its design and manufacturing process. Fortunately, Subaru has taken steps to address this issue by introducing a new wheel bearing design in 2018 models and offering a recall for 2017 models. Despite these efforts, it is still important for owners of the Forester to be aware of the potential for wheel bearing problems and take steps to prevent them.