For the past couple of weeks I have noticed a humming sound coming from my front drivers side wheel. It really gets noticable around 40 mph and gets louder as my speed increases. As I turn my wheel from one side to another the pitch of the hum goes from high to low but it'* still there. I think my bearings are bad but before I let the dealer rape me in price, I want to make sure that I have diagnosed my problem correctly. Any help would be great.

Swap your tires and see if the sound follows that tire. It could be a bearing, could be the tire out of round or unbalanced. Also do you feel any vibration? (Tie-rod)

Thats exactly what mine sounded like before they went.
Does it seem a bit louder when you turn one direction or the other, this is because of loading and unloading of the bearing as you turn.
I replaced the passenger side then 20k later replaced the drivers side. You can run on it for a bit longer before it really acts up, eventualy the speed sensor will crap out and for sure you have to replace it then.

Hub Assembly, no doubt about it. Replace it, then throw the old one away. I'm guessing, but it may be $350-450 installed at a GM Dealer. Just curious, how many miles on your car?

I've had the same problem with my '00 Bonneville SSEI hearing a humming noise at first when making a left turn. Unfortunately, I have an appt tomorrow to bring "Supercharged" in to the dealer for some TLC. Now, it'* starting to have a rekety feeling. I think that it'* a tierod (sp.?). We'll see...

Anyway, I love my car. The only other problem that I started having with it lately is that no matter what speed I'm driving, there is a really bad hesitation/bucking where I have to either let off of the gas or floor it. I only use Ultra 93 and have noticed that my gas milege has decreased. I was told that it could be the O2 sensor. I'm also having that looked into tomorrow.

If anyone else has had these problems, please write me back.

rdenier says: <The only other problem that I started having with it lately is that no matter what speed I'm driving, there is a really bad hesitation/bucking where I have to either let off of the gas or floor it.>

I experience that same prob lately with my '02 SSEi. First changed plugs....nope. Then wires...nope. Finally a can of fuel injector cleaner for about 1/2 tank of gas did the trick. Couldn't hurt and could save you a little dealer money!

Ted