4th gen front wheel bearings
 

how does one know if they're going bad ?

I'm hearing a "hum" coming from the front end, but it could be the new brand of tires I bought... :scratch:

jack it up, see how bad the tire wiggles. Could be the new tires. I would see about getting an alignment and they could see if they are bad or not.

They are non serviceable unlike 3rd gens so you can't pack new bearings and seals and toss them in there. Sucks because the whole units are expensive.

just curious...how would an alignment detect a bad bearing/faulty tires?

Ya replacement hubs are about a $100 a piece.

If that IS the case & you're interested, this has been listed on craigslist for a while

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/pts/562540966.html

Jack it up, and shake the tire at 12, and 6 oclock, my wine got progressively worse, it sneaks up on you, sounds ;ike a bad tire at first, they are easy to change.

hard to get the alignment right when the hub wobbles all over the place

you have to be careful checking that on an alignment rack, a lot of mechanics will try to tell you its a tie rod or a strut mount. You should just jack it up and wiggle it in and out, up and down, and side to side. If you got weather, or snow tires they will hum a bit till they get some wear

Part of a proper alignment is checking the front suspension. But you don't go in and ask for an alignment if you think you have bad parts. You have them check the parts.

Bad hub style bearings will not always show up in a 'shake check'. They just make noise, and sometimes set off ABS lights.

I have some some 4th gen bearings if you decide that is the problem. No need to buy a whole front suspension.

But none the less everything can still be brought within spec. But bonzo is right, doing an alignment right would be to jack up the front end any check for play, it's just alot of times the mechanic may be on flat rate or in a hurry and won't check **** and you're still assed out.

If the mechanic doesn't check the f/e, he sucks go elsewhere. :lol: If a bearing has enough play you won't get the car into spec. The measurements will keep moving on him.