Help Identify New Noise in Rear End

[subsince77]

Hi all, first post in several years. I have an 09 OBW, 4EAT with 84,000 miles on it. I do regular changes on the transmission fluid - I do the one drain and fill every three oil changes method. Dif oils changed at 20,000 when I got it, and again today, although I didnt really think this is a dif problem. Everything looks good.

 

About three weeks ago I started noticing a low frequency humming or growling noise. It is almost like tire noise, but isn't. I can only hear it on really smooth, or brand new, pavement. On rough pavement the road noise drowns it out. It seems to start at around 30 or 35. It increases a little with speed, but never becomes loud - yet.

 

Is this a wheel bearing? In many hundreds of thousands of miles with three Subarus, I've never had a wheel bearing go out. Any thoughts?

 

Thanks.

[Fairtax4me]

Yep. The newer soobs love wheel bearings. They eat 'em like candy.

 

Luckily on that one the bearing simply unbolts from the trailing arm.

You may have to wait for it to get louder before you can figure out which one it is.