Last two days I've had a "grinding" noise that sounds like something in the front wheel well is rubbing. The noise increases with speed, decreases when slowing. Car in neutral or car braking has no affect on noise, it'* still there at all speeds. I'm assuming its a front driver'* wheel bearing. Is there something else I should be checking for? Is this a do-it-yourselfer kind of job, or should I pay the 1-2 hours labour for someone to fix it? Car has 62000 miles on it, all front end parts are original except for pads and rotors.

This is on my 2000 SSEi.

According to the sticky I'm lookin at about $500 cdn. Are wheel bearings cheaper anywhere else?

Appreciate any input or comments!

Thanks

Are you sure it'* not the brake pad alarmers?

New pads only 10-20K ago. Usually that noise would go away when applying the brake. I still think (unfortunately) it'* a bearing, but I'm checking here incase I should be looking for somethhing else.

The wheel bearing and hub are an assembly (I think) :?

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,1636

It does sound like a hub assembly. Does it sing like a humming sound? And when you make a slight adjustment to steering while at speed, does the sound change? MAC, the wheel bearing/hub are one integral unit. You are correct.

or here

http://www.intense-racing.com/Mercha...tegory_Code=BS

It says it fits 1999 - 2001 LeSabre. I wonder what changed in 2002. :?:

When I "sway" left or right in a parking lot at about 40mph it does change the sound, so I'm pretty sure it'* the bearing now. I've looked round the wheel and don't see anything else rubbing or comming in contact so guess I off to replace the driver'* side bearing now. Now next question........looks like 3 bolts on the back, one nut in the centre. Is there a trick to doing this job, or anything to watch out for? Can a "do-it-yourselfer" do this? Looks like a pull and replace job, but I've never seen one done or done it myself yet. Any special tools needed? What size socket is that centre bolt on the hub?

Go to Autozone and rent you a hub puller like this:

Brian, I agree that it sounds like a wheel hub. This is a thread in the other 3800 area that has a link to replacing it one a GTP. Basically the same on our cars. I haven't had to use the hub puller recently, but if yours is stuck on it'* something to consider. It will make the job go more quickly if you use it, but may not be a necessity.

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=57617