Front Wheel Bearing

[Bioscache2]

Back in February I had my car in the shop for a new water pump. The service man mentioned that he thought he heard one of my front wheel bearings going. I drove around a lot while swerving to test for the noise but couldn't hear anything. Fast forward to today and I definitely heard a grinding/vibrational noise at higher speed (75+) yesterday. If I changed lanes quickly it definitely increases or softens depending on the direction so it seems like mechanic was right. Back then he quoted me about 600-700 to do one so I have a few questions for the group. I have not had the chance to lift the car and test the play in the wheels yet

1)Is it probably the bearing or should there be something else I should rule out first?

2)From past posts it seems like they are sealed units right?

3)If sealed how difficult to replace myself vs his the dealer's quote? And besides the OEM parts how are the alternatives? Autozone lists two, a Timkin for 250 and a Duralast for 100. Both have a one year warranty.

Car is a 2001 Manual Coupe with a little over 120k miles. I bought the car used in 2004 with just under 40k miles and have never replaced the bearings while I owned it.

 

[gmjunkie]

Check them all while your at it,sometimes the noise can transfer and sound like it's on the opposite side!!
Not hard to change at all,Rears are a little harder because of the drive axle,But there not bad!
Fronts are Easy,Takes me about 30-45 min maybe less,Rears take me about 1-1 1/2 hours!
I keep AC Delco's in stock 1 front,1 rear,so I use them!AC Delcos have came down in price in the last year or so,around $300.!
I defiantly won't use a Duralast,They'll wear out premature!!

 

[Bioscache2]

I keep AC Delco's in stock 1 front,1 rear,so I use them!AC Delcos have came down in price in the last year or so,around $300.!
I defiantly won't use a Duralast,They'll wear out premature!!

Thanks Junk and actually you are more right then you know. I just looked online at gmpartsdirect and they are only $258.

 

[gmjunkie]

Thanks Junk and actually you are more right then you know. I just looked online at gmpartsdirect and they are only $258.

Naw,I know!! I get mine from a local dealer at a little better deal than GMPD they won't sell to me at Wholesale without tax shipping anymore since they started the INTERNET site!! By the time they get them to you,It'll be $300.ea!! I get a super deal from my local dealer because I buy allot of parts and also install Factory Stripe Kits on Camaros,3M Clear Bra's and Body protection film on Corvettes and other models for them!

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Ryan,
Sent you a reply to your PM.

 

[Bioscache2]

Thanks Junk and Pete, I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

[Bioscache2]

So my father and I jacked the car up and shook the wheels, the front left was fine but the front right had a little give to it, definitely our culprit. We swapped out the brearing with only the ball joint stud and nut giving us a little problem, we didn't have the perfect tool for that, but we made it work and now it's good. Gave it a test ride and everything seems well. Haven't done highway speeds yet but I'm sure that will be fine as well. Thanks again for the help.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

 

[Vanity Plate Bob]

I had several changed on my 01 Impala.
Has been over the past 2 or so years.
Was told at first that GM's were no better than
aftermarket. One of them at one point I left the
situation go and then was told it had like a 3 month
warranty. Ended up getting one free or for a deal.
Had one repl month ago and now I believe the
other one is on the way out.
None were dealer installed. Was told "next time we
will get reg. GM. At first was told GM nor aftermarket
was anygood.
Listen for problems and ck the warranty.