Subaru Repair: subaru legacy L wagon, 1995, 195000 miles, rear wheel bearings, power steering rack

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
 We had two right rear wheel bearings installed with in 14 months.  My husband never questioned it, but I don't think that's normal.  Is it?  Also, a month after the last one, we had to have the power steering rack (steering gear B) installed.  Are any of these things connected?  Sorry, I guess that's two questions.  Thank you so much!
ANSWER: This is going to sound crazy but in my shop we have the same problem with the right rear wheel bearings.  It always seems to be the right rear.  The only thing I can recommend is make sure you are using genuine Subaru parts, and make sure the seals are replaced.  The steering rack has nothing to do with the wheel bearing.  I am not sure why you had to replace it.  Hope I could help you!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Greetings Nathan,
 Thanks for the reply.  All work done on this car has been at a Subaru dealer ("award winning"), the parts are genuine Subaru, and the seals were replaced as well.  The car in question logged over 80,000 miles before the first repair was done, and a mere 17400 (same driving situation, same everything) before the second one was done.  Any other thoughts on this?  I am feeling reluctant to continue to pay the extra cost at a Subaru garage, when it still seems (common sense wise) that this should not be the case.  Thanks again!
Kaari

Answer
Hey don't hesitate to take it to a regular shop.  The dealer is probably burning you with labor.  You could have possibly just got a bad wheel bearing, it could have also been installed incorrectly (maybe improper axle nut torque).  I would find a good reputable shop and have them do the job.  Just remember have them use genuine parts.  Hope you get the problem resolved!