Parts for your 2002 Subaru Forester-Wheel hubs

2002 Subaru Forester wheel-hubs: what they do and how to look after them

Referencing the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2002 Forester and Subaru service bulletins covering the well-known rear wheel bearing update for 1998–2002 Forester models, wheel hubs are absolutely used on this vehicle. Each corner has a hub that carries the wheel studs and mates to the driveshaft (AWD) through the bearing installed in the steering knuckle or rear housing. So wheel-hubs are relevant for any 2002 Subaru Forester owner.

On a 2002 Forester, the wheel hub is the sturdy, splined flange that the wheel bolts to. Pressed into the knuckle sits a double-row bearing, the hub is pressed through that bearing, and the axle passes through the hub. The hub keeps the wheel centred, supports vehicle load, and lets the ABS tone system read wheel speed. Subaru’s technical guidance also notes an upgraded tapered-roller style rear bearing for this era, addressing the common hum/growl some owners hear as bearings age.

When servicing, the hub itself often survives, but the bearing and seals are routine wear items. If a hub shows scoring where it presses into the bearing, pitted wheel studs, or runout beyond spec, it should be replaced with the bearing. Correct press tools are vital—side-loading a new bearing will shorten its life. Many workshops in Aus and NZ use a hydraulic press and Subaru-approved drifts to handle these safely.

• Typical symptoms: a speed-related hum that gets louder in corners, ABS warning after sensor/tone damage, heat at the hub, or wheel wobble.
• Basic care: keep wheel studs clean and dry (no grease), torque wheel nuts evenly to about 120 N·m, and rotate tyres every 10,000 km.
• Replacement tips: use quality bearings/seals, check the hub for wear before reassembly, stake and torque the axle nut strictly to the FSM spec, and book a wheel alignment if the knuckle was removed.

Because the 2002 Forester’s bearings are press-fit, many owners find it smarter to have a specialist handle the job. A shop can also advise whether to adopt the later tapered-roller rear bearing that Subaru introduced as a durability improvement for these models.

Treating the hub and bearing as a matched set, torquing everything by the book, and sticking with reputable parts will keep the Forester quiet, safe, and happy on Kiwi and Aussie roads for plenty more kilometres.

Popular questions about 2002 Subaru Forester wheel-hubs

How do I tell if the noise is a tyre or a wheel hub/bearing?

Feathered or cupped tyres can mimic a bearing hum. If the sound swaps sides when rotating tyres front-to-back, it’s likely tyre-related. A true bearing/driveline hum often changes when loading that corner in a gentle lane change, load the left, right side gets louder, and vice versa. A mechanic can confirm with a road test and hub play checks.

Do I need an alignment after hub or bearing work?

If the knuckle is removed or the strut bolts are loosened, yes—get an alignment. If the bearing and hub are pressed in with the knuckle left on the car and strut fasteners undisturbed, an alignment may not be necessary, but it’s still wise to check tyre wear and steering centring.

Is the tapered-roller rear bearing upgrade worth it?

For many 1998–2002 Foresters, the later tapered-roller style rear bearing has proven more durable than the original ball-bearing design. If you’re replacing a rear bearing, asking for the updated spec and matching seals is a solid move for longevity.