My MY04 STI has developed a whine from the front of the engine. Went in to the garage today and they have diagnosed as the bearing on the aircon idler. Will be fixed under warranty, but not til Monday because part won't be until Saturday.

Is this a common problem, or have I just been unlucky? I got the impression it wasn't unheard of!

 

Did the replacement bearing fix it? Just that mine's always been whiny at the front and with the aid of a home-made stethoscope (a piece of hose pipe stuck in one ear!) it seems to be coming from the air con idler pulley; presumably it's the bearing that's at fault.

Anyone got any idea how much a new one of these costs from Subaru and how much of a job it is to get the idler pulley and its bearing out? Without removing the radiator shroud if poss.