Moving right along in the Subaru Outback project.... In this video I bring you along as I knock out a front wheel bearing. Not a bad job but getting the lower ball joint out in the rust belt without destroying it can have its challenges. -Enjoy!
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48 thoughts on “Subaru outback repair series: #3 front wheel bearing”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ring_Zero says:

    Just did the front bearings on my 2010 Outback. Used the wheel stud removal/bolt pull method. Could not find the Astro "Last Chance" bolt set anywhere so used the Grade 8 bolts from local Lowes – worked equally good. Going air hammer was the second choice and burning the car down was the third :-). Used anti-seize on the bearing/knuckle mating surfaces. Not sure if it was a good idea but the bearings are in there now, no going back. Thanks Eric for lifting my spirits to get this job done. Shops in my area think they fix space rockets and charge like brain surgeons. Thanks once again.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andrew Wainer says:

    what was the red thing that pulled the control arm down?

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars powerram92 says:

    Where did you buy the "hockey stick"

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeff Flowers says:

    I had a wobble in the front left. Thought it was the cv axel so I replaced it. Helped a little but not completely. Found the hub to also be loose so I replaced that too. I was lucky I guess. Didn't need to remove the cv axel to replace the hub. But having done that just two months earlier not a big deal. The new hub was fine for about 15 miles then the wobble came back. The new hub has the same free play as the worn one and spins a bit easier than out of the box. What would cause immediate premature wear like that? The axel nut was torqued to spec.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Dvorak says:

    SMA is the greatest channel on the YT

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Poorly Made Dog Videos says:

    i just changed a front wheel bearing on my 2011 outback today thanks to this video! first time doing it, up until now i'd only done brakes and oil changes (and an alternator on my old car). i disconnected the strut instead of the ball joint but this was super helpful, thanks borther!

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ryan Waltos says:

    Wire wheeling the exposed [rusty] nubs of the bearing bolts to clean threads makes that part of the job that much easier. Especially when the rust binds up the threads and you end up rounding over the rusty hex head. Don't ask me how I know ('05 outback)

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bluemorpho says:

    So if the hub is not too crusty you could re-use it and just install new bearings?
    Going to do this on my 95 legacy wagon.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Goodbye Mr. Anderson says:

    great video, I live in canada so our cars have square tires, and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of rust, and because we don't have electricity yet we only use wrenches, not those yellows noisy things.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Wrenchposting says:

    I have this job tomorrow but I live in sunny Southern California. Wish me luck!

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lloyd Nolan says:

    I have changed the front axles one 2 Subaru's. Being as I am terrified of wrecking the ball joints I took the strut off. I paint mark the bolt heads, as one is cammed and have had no alignment issues.
    Certainly not best practice but works for us backyard mechs.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gary Gruber says:

    for a stuck cotter pin, I'll put a small punch in the hole and then pry against a big flat screwdriver, or gently tap the punch with a brass hammer.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MARK S says:

    Eric, Really like your channel & have watched most brake video's.
    I do have a question why you don't remove the speed sensors if they are as fragile as you say they are?
    Keep up your excellent video"s & Mrs O is a Jem!

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Greg Hill says:

    what is the sanding disk thing you use can you get that for drill or Dremel tool?

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kendall Brooks says:

    When working on crusty vehicles you should always wear eye protection buddy.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars flyonbyya says:

    My son took his Michigan Pontiac to a mechanic in his new home in North Carolina for repairโ€ฆOnly to find that the mechanic declined to work on it cuz of a bad case of rusty bolts

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 1337penguinman says:

    I love the Astro right angle impacts for brake jobs. Plenty of power, especially in the 1/2 gun, and almost always fit.

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Papp says:

    I love the scotty Kilmer picture on your white board. Been binge watching your videos this last week. You do great work.

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Matt Wolfgang says:

    How much do you want for one of your lift

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gary Meredith says:

    Eric I thought you had bench vice there in your shop why are you wizzy wheeling the rotor on top of your drill bit box .

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chase Dyer says:

    Damn thought that after I get my lift the upgrades would be about complete but now I see that it just keeps going with the challenger godzilla nimbus 2000 or whatever you called it

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TONY STARK says:

    Yea I live in California. What's rust?

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Anthony Flores says:

    Iโ€™m a little concerned why you didnโ€™t release the two struts bolts, you would have had plenty of clearance for the hub bearing bolts after tilting the knuckle forward

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tyree says:

    Vice Grips work great on cotter pins!
    ๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ‘

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Seattle Man says:

    Why didn't you just take out the speed sensor, out of the way?!

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kenneth Franklin says:

    I grew up in Michigan, which was like these videos. Now I live in North Carolina and stuff on the bottom of the car just falls apart in my hands with a half inch ratchet and sockets.

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Williams says:

    Iโ€™ve got one of those De Walt impacts- they are a beast. Leant it to my friend who used it on a locking wheel but proceeded to strip it in half. Lesson learnt…

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mar1video says:

    I donโ€™t have the Big Nasty, and after banging on the hub for about 4 hours with a 20 lbs hammer , Iโ€™m ready to give up on it.

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jory Farr says:

    Love the content of the video like it when people come in and interact with you on the videos Mrs o children Vinny shows that you're just an average Joe keep safe love you guys

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jose marrinhas says:

    Youโ€™re better than anything on Television. Itโ€™s great watching and learning from you.

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ugh3012 says:

    Itโ€™s so hard for me to watch you work on cars with all that rust. We donโ€™t get that in central Texas.

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars KRTube75 says:

    When I lived in NY, I found that wire wheeling the threads sticking out past the nut worked 1,000 better than using the "penetrating" oil spray and going forward and backward over and over. Penetrating oil never penetrates. Dozens of youtube vides prove penetrating oil is just snake oil.

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kirky says:

    What year is this outback?

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robert Gary says:

    Thatโ€™s the drill he bought her for her bday

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Machinery And Tools says:

    Gotta listen closely at all the one liners. – โ€œclassic reach aroundโ€

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars daddyphatsax304 says:

    I KNEW you watched Ave's channel. Because of some of the phrases you would use from time to time. And I once heard you refer to a video as a VJO. lol

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tim Rolfes says:

    Hi. Love the channel. I have an Outback making what sounds like wheel bearing noise, but none of the wheels rock when it's up in the air. How do I find out which wheel it is?

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars chesky baba says:

    He sounds like Beetlejuice .

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jason Hooey says:

    I work in southern onterrible Canada. You need to get a selection of wire wheels and cups for you die grinders and electric angle grinders. Rust be gone! Way cheaper than those abrasive pads

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Snadzies says:

    Do I want a lift? Yes!
    Heck, a previous owner ran a shop out of the garage so it has mounting points for a lift on the floor already.
    Do I have the money for a lift? Sadly, no. ๐Ÿ™

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lawrence Peebles says:

    Have you tried to use a flapper wheel on your 90 grinder to clean the inside of the hub?

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ryan Chenier-Poulin says:

    Fucken love the hard core symbols when BFN came out to whip some butt lol

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Mcgraw says:

    Dual rail lift makes front end work so much easier. Growing the business.

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Larry Fogleman says:

    Is it me, when he uses the air sander, that it sounds like Cousin Itt from the Addams Family?

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The American Hiker 96 says:

    Had to replace all 4 of mine on my 09 forester it was so fun with no air tools.

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars zututh says:

    you mentioned that the wheel was not corroded on the hub. If it was, how do you deal with that?

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars simpleszabo says:

    i wish my 98 legacy outback was this easy to change the bearings, mine are pressed in. bolt in would be so nice. I wonder is there is a way to interchange or swap spindle knuckles to a newer year.

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alan Hastings says:

    I'm only here for BIG NASTY ๐Ÿ˜€

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