Front Suspension Wheel Bearing problems of the 1998 Subaru Forester

Increasing grinding noise from rear of car; dealer inspected and found failing right real wheel bearing; repair found failed seal on axle; one control arm replaced along with axle and bearing.

My '98 Subaru Forester is experiencing rear wheel bearing failure again. These bearings are defective and fail often, from what I've read on the web.

The rear wheel bearing showed signs of excessive wear every 30000 to 40000 miles. The dealer/independent shop replaced the part.

Dealer has had to replace front and rear wheel bearings three times. The problem has not been resolved at this time.

In left rear wheel there was a malfunction in bearings. Consumer had to replace bearings three times in past four years. Contacted dealer.

Left rear wheel bearing failure at 65000 miles an unlikely occurance at this age .

Problems with wheel bearings on 1998 Subaru Forester. The rear wheel bearings on the right side were replaced twice.

In June of 1999 right front wheel bearing was replaced because of a loud noise being made during operation of vehicle. Then, on 27-jul7-2001, left front wheel bearing was causing another loud noise, and was being replaced by the dealership. Mechanic informed consumer that a groove has been found in the front axle of the vehicle which could have caused the problem with the 2nd wheel bearing replacement. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

1. Wheel bearings have consistently needed replacement starting 4 years after car purchased new. At 450. 00 to 500. 00 each time. This is a design issues and Subaru needs to pay of each replacement. 2. Fuel line leak. This is very dangerous and again listed many many time on all Subaru fix web sites. Cost to fix 1600. 00 and more if fuel tank needs replacing. Again, Subaru needs to deal with this. These have been happening since car purchased. Car has been well maintained since purchase.