kind of sounds like shocks/struts, maybe some other things. I'd need to see it but your description sounds like cupping/shock wear. You typically see that in rear tires more than front, especially if tires are not rotated properly. I think of a bearing was bad enough to hurt tires that bearing would be screaming. I'd assume that to be less of an issue with modern bearing packs vs. old school bearings like my Z has.balancing also does not usually cause tire wear because I'd think the constant vibration over time would be annoying and corrected but I guess it can't help.
i don't know if those cars have any kind of issues with bushings, etc that might be involved. adam might
No comment needed on pep boys...
severe example that I'd look real hard at shocks & rotation:
