Hi, I'm new here, but have owned an Impreza for the last 2 years. It is a 2000 2.5RS and I have a question about it. I was recently quoted $715 for a right rear wheel bearing and from searching other people's bearing problems realize that this is fairly high. I was wondering where I could bring it that would keep the cost down (without doing this myself). I have seen a couple of different opinions on where to have this done, and know that the transverse link is hard to get off. What should I do or where should I bring it. Also, I seem to be in need of a new transfer clutch. At least that's what the dealer told me. I know I need something done, as my front wheels seem to hop or snag when I drive at slow speeds and turn at the same time (like when pulling into a parking space). I'm not sure the route to go on this, so if anyone has any ideas on this, it would be much appreciated. Thanks from a new member.
wheel bearing would be less the $400 - $450 with alignment (NOT THROUGH A BUSINESS) as far as the transfer clutch I am not sure on that one sorry...
I'm getting my rear wheel bearings done tomorrow night on my 2001 RS. I'll let you know how much it turns out to be. While I was looking around for this, the dealerships were quoting $700ish for both sides. Are you sure you were telling them you only need one side done ? Keep in mind that the parts alone are about $100, and the process is alleged to take 2-4hrs per corner. Can't help you with the other question. Sorry. Stuart.
I think mine'll come apart easily enough. Recently put fresh rotors and pads on, so the calipers and rotors should pop off easily enough. Also put lateral links on and poly bushings on the trailing arms, so those bolts should all co-operate. The only ones we haven't undone in the last couple of months are the bottom two on the struts and the axle nut itself. Stuart.
Is your car auto or manual transmission? I'm guessing auto because they called it a transfer clutch instead of a center differential. You can try putting in the FWD fuse and see if the binding goes away. The owners manual should have information on that, sorry I don't know off the top of my head. If it's a manual, does the car still bind when the transmission is cold? I'm not sure on an auto how hard it is to change the transfer clutch. On a manual transmission it's possible to change the center differential without changing the entire transmission. It might be possible to pick up a cheap used transmission and swap the transfer case over to yours.
transfer clutches going bad makes it act like it has a welded center diff (or for some of us 5mt guys, a crappy viscous coupler) its not an easy job, nor cheap.
If a wheel bearing costs more than $300-350, I think you are getting ripped off or its being done by someone who hasn't done one on a subaru. They should know to not waste their time trying to save that long bolt that hold the lateral links to the knuckle. Spend the $27 and have a new one on hand. Maybe they think that they'll break the ABS sensor and need a new one?
I bet you could have both done at that price. Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to do both at once anyway.
Hey guys thanks for the advice. Yeah it is only one side and I have spoken to a couple of other people. (That long bolt will be bought new and then the old one tossed.) My car is a 5MT and they (the dealer) could only guess at the problem. Most likely cause is a bad viscous coupler. Also, it does not bind when the tranny is cold, only after driving for a while. Also, would anyone know where to get the diff fixed for less than a ton of cash? Or am I screwed on that one?
im on my second viscous coupler, the part itself is very expensive, but in all honesty the prodcedure isnt THAT hard, it involves taking the tail-housing off the tranny and so forth.
