I have a 2001 Bonneville SE. It currently has about 107,000 miles on it.

About a year and a half ago (maybe 80,000 miles) , I started getting a popping sound when I turned my steering wheel. Finally took it to the dealer and they said it was my right front "wheel bearing mechanism". So I had them replace it and it cost me over $500. It did fix the problem.
Now, I'm getting the same sound again and recently took it to another shop and they're telling me that the left front one is bad too and that it needs to be replaced.
I have never had a car that has needed the wheel bearing mechanism replaced. The shop I go to now tells me that it is common in many Pontiac/GM body/drive train styles like the Bonneville.

Has anyone else had an issue with these things going out? Has anyone replaced this themselves? If so, how difficult is it and where would I get the parts to do it?

Thanks in advance.

Yes, I have replaced 3 so far. 2 on the drivers side and one on the passenger side. May have to do another passenger side this summer?
Most have had this happen under warrenty.

Repalced 3 on my 95 SSEi over the last 6 years. First was passenger at 70,000 miles, then drivers at about 90,000 miles. Just recently did a drivers again within a year from the last replacement as the replacement went bad after only about 10000 miles. Fortunately the mechanic covered it under warranty for me. My 2000 SSEi has 40000 miles on it but so far no noise from the bearings but I'm counting down the miles!

Wow, what a pain in the butt!! To me this sounds like an inherent issue with the car itself. I've had several cars before with over 100,000 and have never had to replace wheel bearings. Wouldn't be so upsetting if they weren't so expensive to replace.

The cost is high because the wheel speed sensor is built into it and is replaced at the same time.

Had mine replaced under factory warranty on the pass. side. Currenlty have about 80,000 miles.

I recently put in my third (at $500 a pop). Car has 74K miles. It'* a poorly designed part.

:( man, this sucks My '02 is starting to make sounds like the left bearing is getting noisy,,,

Anyone have any info on a "better design", or at least "better quality" part out there in the aftermaket world? :?: