I have a 2013 Subaru Forester (base model). It was recently diagnosed with rod knock, and on the advice of our repair shop, we agreed to a short block engine replacement. Later, while removing the engine, they noticed that the serpentine belt guide(?) needed replacement, as well as the brake rotors and pads.
Today, after the car has been in their shop for ~3 weeks, they called to say that the rear wheel bearing was loose and recommended replacement before failure. Prior to giving them the car, I didn’t notice any shimmy-ing or other stability issues.
I’m wondering if they’re just milking me at this point for every repair they can think up; and if not, then if this might have been something that they caused during their other repairs? Is that a reasonable possibility?
Subarus typically go through wheel bearings pretty quick, do it would not be surprising to need a wheel bearing. It would not be related to an engine replacement, and most likely not related to a brake job.