got a subaru outback 97, 174k is great all round except for is making whump whump noise that gets faster as car speeds up, squealing noise coming from wheels not assciated with braking or acceleration. it gets wobbly if the car gets to 70mph and when you reverse it makes a grinding noise. also in low gear it clatters from the engine somewhere, but stops doing that as soon as car is going and warmed up.anyone know whats happening, how much do you think it'll cost to fix if you do?thanks,
That's what it sounds like, a bad wheel bearing. It's been bad for a while and I believe it is so loose you are damaging other parts in the wheel. Impossible to give a quote until it's seen the extent of damage.
You have enough going on that the only useful answer needs to come from a good mechanic that inspects the car and gives it a test drive. The bearings are an easy check. Bad ones make a nice consistent noise when you give the tire a spin on the lift. At 174k, you're due. Before you have any work done, get the mechanic's estimate on bearings and whatever else is giving you whump, squeal, wobble, grind, and clatter. You may decide to say bye bye and think about a new or newer Subaru.
