Possible Wheel Bearing Problem?, noise when driving Options

[mgordic]

Hey guys,

I noticed a weird noise (almost as if I had swamper tires) when driving above 30mph. I suspect it's a wheel bearing, but at the same time, when I make turns, the noise is the same or to a lesser extent.

1. Can someone tell me how to easily diagnose a wheel bearing problem (both front and rear)?
2. Do you recommend I take my car to the shop for the repair, or is this a simple job? How much does it usually cost to do this?
3. My car is at 110,000 miles. I never changed shocks/struts. Can they contribute to the bearings going bad, and if I'm changing the bearings, do you recommend I change struts too?
4. If I just leave this problem as is for a while until I know for sure what's wrong, am I running into a risk of breaking something else due to ignoring the problem?

All the help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Milo

[SRSONE]

u test for wheel bearings by driving back in forth u load one side and unload the other side.. it usually changes pitch one way or the other
its not something i can tell u on a forum post.... its a skill u learn being a tech for 20 years... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush-anim-cl.gif)

altho if its really bad a good shop can hear it with a chassi ears or stethoscope...

struts usually dont affect bearings no

but at 110k they may be due just from wear anyway

and the bearing in the front is pressed into the hub.... so unless u have shop press at home its not really a diy...

altho some auto parts stores will change them if u remove the whole spindle/hub assembly and bring it too them ud have too check the places in your area.....

[mgordic]

If I just ignore the noise, for say 10k miles, is there a chance it will damage something else?

[SRSONE]

yes..
it can go completely and either lock up or break apart internally then the wheel would be really loose...


if its that bad it would be a good idea to change it...