So I have quite the howl in the front end. Jacked it up tonight and ran the car in drive. It is the right side. When I drive and turn from side to side no clicking or clunking. I am thinking it is the wheel bearing. Would like to also change drive axle while I am in there but they re pretty pricey so I may not. Is this a bad idea or do the drive axles go a long ways? 125,000 miles

I'm betting just the bearing is bad. The axel wil last a long time unless the boot rips and the grease leaks out. If it'* not clicking around corners or vibrating at high speed I would just replace the bearing assy.

i agree, the axles will last quite a bit longer than the hubs. but normally they fail in pairs so if your front driver is bad, expect to do both front hubs because its not going to be long before it goes

Justin, I agree with your statement, but on the 2001 Bonneville I went through three right side hubs (car has 210,000 miles) and the left side hub is still the original. I do not know why my Bonny had the right side fail exclusively- but want to share my observation of how the 2000-2005 Bonneville hubs may not fail at same time.

So got it replaced and fixed the noise. The shaft was rusted in like I have never experienced. Beat on shaft with a large hammer and did not even budge. Soaked with penetrating oil for two days and no go. Finally got the torch out and heated the heck out of it. Came out but still with plenty of coaxing. Hope I did not knock something out of wack with all the hammering.

i leave the axle nut on the end threaded most of the way on to protect the threads then a few direct hits with the 3lb'er will take care of all the ones i have come across. if you put a piece of wood or something on it that will take power away from it moving.

most bearings go early from over torque on axle nut, use proper setting.