bearing or rear differential problem?

[Sam Li]

Hey Folks,

When I sat on the rear seat of my 95 Legacy I can hear this fella makes some
noise from the right side on rough road, and I figured it might be the
bearing or rear differential problem. These days it starts to make some
funny noise when I step on the gas, or let go. The noise sounds like howling
or growling, it comes when the speed changes. Can anyone let me know if this
is the bearing problem, or the rear differential problem?

Thanks,

Sam

 

[Rick Courtright]

or growling, it comes when the speed changes. Can anyone let me know if this
is the bearing problem, or the rear differential problem?

Hi,

Can't tell you for sure what the noise is, but I'd start at the outside
and work in to try to diagnose.

Jack up the offending wheel, and try to shake it both vertically and
horizontally. There should be virtually no discernible play. If there
is, check the torque on the lug nuts and try again. Play can be
indicative of upcoming bearing problems. Turn the wheel slowly and feel
for binding, listen for noises, etc. With Subaru's spotted history
regarding wheel bearings, you might find your answer right here.

If the wheel's tight, make sure the car's up on jack stands for safety
and check the CV joints at each end of the axle. New ones are tight, but
they can have a very slight amount of play and still be ok. If they're a
bit loose, but not sloppy, regreasing them can sometimes help, though
replacing the entire axle's often little more work and not much more
expensive than getting new boots, etc.

If everything's tight up to this point, check the diff for fluid and
play. Again, new is tight, but a little play probably isn't gonna kill
the system.

This doesn't cover all possibilities, but might at least point you in
the right direction!

Rick

 

[Sam Li]

Thanks Rick.
I'll check and post my results here if I find anything.