I've posted a topic on the thumping (or banging) noise my wheels made when I turned the wheel left and right. When I got my oil changed I asked the mechanic to check out the noise. He felt around while I turned the wheel and he said it was the bearings, and it would be about $140 in parts, and about $250 labor, which is almost exactly what I thought. I also mentioned to the guy if the tie rods could be a problem. He looked at them and said they "don't look so hot."

Should I replace these too since he'll have the car up anyway? I looked at them with him and there'* a good deal of dirt and God knows what on them. Anyone replaced their tie rods before?? Any suggestions are appreciated

(I might as well have him change my O2 sensor while he'* under there) Thanks.

Have you considered replacing the bearings yourself? Think of all the mods you could do with the money you save. I'm sure Hector or Ty could help you find a better use for that change.

I agree. There are quite a few posts here and there about replacing your hubs and tie rods. You could do both for about $200 total, if you have a place to do the work AND it hasn't become a frigid beeatch outside where you are!

That'* the problem, it'* cold as hell here and it doesn't look too promising that it'll warm up soon, and I figure I shouldn't wait too long with this problem because it may lead to something worse. I'm all about saving money, but I don't know how to do it myself. My father does but it'll be a while before he gets off his *** to help me out.
Has anyone elsehad their bearings changed by a mechanic? Does $400 seem right?

had it done by local mechanic for about the same. But I think you might be looking at about 180$ per side for the bearings. I also have a 94. It'* been a great car 212k on it and just now doing some engine work on it. Did your mechanic look at the tie rods? It seems to me I had a noise and that was my problem. I also need to replace ball joints soon. I would suggest, if you haven't already, doing both bearings since the other can't be far behind

One of them looked at my tie rods and said they "don't look so hot." If I got those replaced, AND the bearings, how much do you think I'd be looking at in terms of $$? How much did it cost you for the tie rods? I still have to get some body work done b/c of my rust on the wheel well - that'll be about $800 I was told. Man I'm gonna be broke after this. F***!!
(Thanks for the reply)

What do you mean by "turning the wheel left and right"? Do you mean while the tires are not rotating. If the wheels are not rotating while you are turning the wheel, how the heck can bad bearings be the diagnosis? The bearings must be rotating to make that type of sound.

If the tires are rotating when you hear the sound, the diagnosis is probably correct.

Bad bearings can be apparent without the wheels turning. Jack up the suspected corner of the car, and try to wiggle the wheel up and down, and rock it in and out. There should be no motion. If there'* slop, you have a bad hub/bearing assembly.