Now and then there is this grinding noise coming from the wheels. Sounds like metal rubbing against metal, only like 9000 miles on the car. It only lasts for a short while but is very annoying, anyone got any ideas so I can tell the dealer what needs to be fixed?

Sounds like a wheel bearing gone bad. One of subarus weaknesses it seems.

Chris www.hometown.aol.com/awdimprezars (http://www.hometown.aol.com/awdimprezars)

Yup. Wheel bearing.

If they replace it insist that they torque it to factory specs. The ones that fail were usually over-torqued.

-juice

Thanks, i'll have to have them fix that for me.

If it is the wheel bearing, I don't think the noise would come and go. Once that grinding/roar starts it only gets worse and more worse. But heed well what was said about torque limits at installation. And be sure that the Service Manager and the Mechanic who works on it has seen and read the technical bulletin about the installation of wheel bearings.
Finally search the technical archive here on the I-Club for the sad tale of woe and intrigue I had with THREE left rear wheel bearing replacements to my '99ForesterS. And, the truth be told, of SOA's very helpful, swift and valuable assistance.