When tackling a rear wheel bearing replacement on your 2015 Subaru Legacy Premium, a common question pops up among DIY mechanics: Is a scan tool necessary? Online forums and discussions often bring mixed opinions, leaving many Subaru owners scratching their heads. Let’s clarify this point and delve into what you really need for this job.
Understanding the Scan Tool Question for Subaru Wheel Bearings
You might encounter discussions suggesting a scan tool is essential, even for a seemingly straightforward task like a wheel bearing replacement. This confusion often stems from a couple of factors. Firstly, some believe a scan tool is needed to put the brakes into a “maintenance mode.” This is indeed true for vehicles equipped with electric parking brakes, where retracting the brake motor is necessary for certain brake work. However, the 2015 Subaru Legacy Premium, thankfully, comes with a manual parking brake system. Secondly, there are reports of Subaru’s ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) going into a limp mode after wheel bearing replacement. This leads some to believe a scan tool is required to reset the ABS system.
The good news is, for a standard rear wheel bearing replacement on your 2015 Subaru Legacy Premium, a scan tool is generally not mandatory. The mechanical aspect of removing and installing the bearing doesn’t inherently require electronic intervention. However, it’s worth noting that in some instances, if the ABS sensor is disturbed or damaged during the process, or if the system detects a fault after the new bearing is installed, an ABS code might be triggered. In such a case, a scan tool would be useful to read and potentially clear the code. But for the bearing replacement itself, it’s not a prerequisite tool.
Tackling the 2015 Subaru Legacy Premium Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement DIY
Embarking on this DIY project can save you a significant amount compared to dealer costs. The original poster mentioned a hefty $900 quote from a dealer, making the DIY route very appealing. However, be prepared – Subaru wheel bearing replacements, especially the removal, are known to be challenging.
Wheel Bearing Removal Challenges
The original forum post correctly points out that removing the bearing can be a “PITA” – a pain in the neck. They even linked to a Universal Wheel Bearing Hub Removal Tool as a potential solution, and for good reason. These tools are designed to press out the old bearing without damaging surrounding components, and are highly recommended. Without such a tool, resorting to methods like hammering on the studs – as described in the original text – can be risky and time-consuming.
Penetrating oil is your friend here. Generously applying penetrating oil to the bearing assembly the night before, as suggested, can significantly ease the removal process. Also, be mindful of the backing plate for the brakes. Investigating its configuration beforehand will prevent any unexpected hurdles during disassembly.
DIY Savings and Common Subaru Issue
Choosing to DIY your 2015 Subaru Legacy Premium rear wheel bearing replacement can lead to substantial savings. Avoiding the dealer’s $900 charge is a strong motivator. It’s also worth acknowledging, as the original poster mentioned, that wheel bearing issues seem to be a recurring theme with Subarus. Being prepared to handle this maintenance yourself is a valuable skill for any Subaru owner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while a scan tool isn’t strictly necessary for the mechanical replacement of a rear wheel bearing on your 2015 Subaru Legacy Premium, it could be helpful for diagnosing and clearing any potential ABS codes that might arise. Focus on proper preparation, utilizing the right tools like a wheel bearing removal kit, and taking your time. With patience and the right approach, you can successfully tackle this job, save money, and gain valuable experience maintaining your Subaru.
