Rear bearing noise?

[Michael Salter]

I'm new to this group so I apologize if this subject has been discussed
previously.
My '97 Outback Legacy Wagon with automatic transmission, which I have
recently purchased for winter driving produces an unusual noise when
starting from a stop.
Initially, for maybe the 1st second from a stop everything seems fine, then
a noise somewhat like a right rear wheel bearing starts. If I lift off the
throttle the noise stays for a short time, maybe half a second, then
suddenly vanishes.
If I keep accelerating the noise goes away suddenly at about 25 MPH.
One other symptom, although I'm not certain of this, there appears to be a
substantial drag from the rear drive as the engine is working hard during
this "noise" period but the rate of acceletration seems slow. Also if I
really get on the throttle during this "noise" period the front tires chirp
at the 1st to 2nd shift.
Any clues?
Many thanks, Mike

 

[TG]

Perhaps a sticking parking brake (I never would use one in a cold climate)
or ice build up inside the wheels, around the axles, driveshaft, etc. TG

 

[Michael Salter]

The park brake seems OK because i can easily push the car after i
release it. No ice or snow here yet (Toronto) so that is not it. The odd
thing is the slight delay??

 

[Guest]

A nice Subaru dealer will listen and put on hoist and give you an
opinion. I had bad bearings ,fixed under warranty , then 50,000 km's
later the noise apparently reappeared. BUT the nice people found that
the noise was the band of rust inside the rear drum's.
They just removed and all OK... I expected another bearing/hub/axle.
That is a 2000 Impreza , the 98 Legacy has been fault free .

 

[rick]

Subies are notorious for rear wheel bearing failure. Mine ('99 OBS) were
going out every 3k - 5k miles until my mechanic found out that the 2 sets of
ball bearings can be replaced with roller bearings from different
model-years. It's been over 15k miles now without a problem.

Rick
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[Michael Salter]

Problem solved. The PO had fitted 75 series tires on the front with 70
series on the rear. I was experiancing transmission bind up. As soon as i
installed the FWD fuse the problem vamished. Now with 75 series tires on
the rear all is well.

Mike