nickp

A quick update. Yes, the bearing. I had both sides replaced. Ended up paying 440 pounds. I guess that's not exactly cheap but I had no time to chase around for a better deal and (as mentioned) no way of doing any of it myself. Sounds good now though!

Thank you :)

Thank you for the confirmation. As I don't even have the facilities to do much more than actually remove the wheel (!) I guess I'll have to pay up. I hope they can squeeze me in as I have a 1000 drive to do next weekend and I don't think I dare leave it until after... Best wishes, Nick

Well, I think the answer will be rear bearing but I thought I'd better be fully armed before I take it down to the local garage... I have a regular noise from rear left. For want of a better description it goes 'whum whum whum' and appears to be in time with wheel revolutions. It is much louder when turning right. Braking has no effect. Tightness of turn does have some. Driving straight reduces it but I can still hear it. Tires are recent/new throughout. Any confirmation of the bearing diagnosis or alternatives are gratefully appreciated. If it is the bearing, how complex is it to change, bearing (no pun intended) in mind that I have no facilities so it will be professionally (?) done. Cheers, NIck

Many thanks guys, I had that sneaking suspicion but glad to have some knowledgeable back up. I'll get it sorted as I aim to keep her for as many years as I can, :)

Hi, I've had my Forester for a couple of years now - it's registered at the beginning of '02 but because there's a 00 in the VIN I assume it was made in 2000. It has 128K miles on the clock and I'm very fond of it,. I note that there is a difference in height at the back making it always look like it is well loaded. I'm wondering about the rear suspension although as far as I can remember it was always like that since I bought it. It has just passed the MOT with no problem and there's no trace of wallowing. Both sides appear the same. Using the jacking points as a very rough position, there is about 1.5 inches less at the rear. Before I get involved in the obvious expense of replacement springs etc., is this something I should be concerned about? Thanks, Nick