Car: 2013 Subaru Outback, 65k miles
Recently my SO hit a curb in the car (front-left wheel). After looking it over, it was obvious the control arm and inner tie rod would need to be replaced. I replaced the control arm myself (I made sure to tighten the bolts after the car had been lowered). I took the car into the shop to have the inner tie rod replaced and have the wheels aligned.
When I picked up the car, the shop told me the wheel bearing would also need to be replaced. I drove it for a few days and I did hear a whiring/grinding sound. I took it in and had the bearing replaced.
After I picked it up, there would sometimes be a slight creak coming from the wheel when I would brake or go over bumps. No consistency as to how hard I would need to break or how big the bump. It seemed random. The creaking has gotten a little worse over the past week. Now, it usually creaks as I apply or release the brake.
Originally, I thought that I might need to grease the control arm bolts. But now I suspect it has to do with (a) the wheel or brake rotor being warped from the collision, (b) the bearing not being tightened all the way, or (c) damage to the strut. I doubt it is (c) based on the sound, but I figure it is possible.
I will try tightening the bolts on the bearing, but assuming that doesn't fix it, does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?
Edit: I should note that the creak is distinctly different than the wiring/grinding noise that the wheel bearing made before it was replaced.
