Two problems related to axle shaft have been reported for the 1998 Subaru Forester. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Second failure in 3+ months of rear wheel bearings. Both replace 6/00.
Due to defective wheel bearing which went bad,. Problem happened 5 times. Dealer could not determine the cause. Right rear wheel bearings makes a loud noise at last failed and smoke came out of the wheel.