Wheel Bearings???

[jyothi]

I hear this constant grinding noise from the front wheels, more on the left. I can even feel a bit of a vibration as if I'm driving on a very fine ripple strip. Took it to the mechanics and they reckon it's the wheel bearings. I've learnt NOT to trust them too much as recently, I was hearing some squeaking noise from the engine and the same mechanic said it was the pully bearings. And a few others said the same too but one of my mates suggested changing the drive belt and presto!! it gone.
If it is indeed the wheel bearings, will I be able to do it myself? I'm pretty handy with tools
Please suggest and thanks in advance.

[Wagon_Wheel]

Im not 100% sure if VY's are the same as the earlier models but i would assume they are.
Anyway it should just be a whole hub assembly, really easy to change, only problem is they are quite expensive.
Grinding noises could well be the bearings, but you never know, could be a few other things as well.

You will just have to take wheel off, then caliper off, then rotor off, and then there should be 3 big hex bolts on the back of the hub, well thats if its similar to the older commo's

[jyothi]

How much do you think the whole kit could cost? pretty sure the mechanics would charge twice as much (include labour in all fairness!!)

[Wagon_Wheel]

Well i know a front hub assembly for my VS is around 200-250 for a cheap one and 300-400 for a decent one

[jyothi]

That's not looking good at all : ((

[Joey_19]

hye mate u no the sqeeking sound was it always constant i hear it when i reach about 40-60k's but low speeds u cant here it how much it set u back

[jyothi]

The squeaking noise could be best described as a bird chirping noise which got louder with acceleration. It was constant at any speed but really picked up when I accelerated. The belt cost me $38. And the noise stopped instantly!!

[744driver]

Idler pulley for the squeaking noiser for sure.

[jyothi]

I reckon I was lucky mine ended with a new belt!

[SAV_117]

how much do u pay for bearings dude i did my uncles for like 150 that was just bearings though u clean em out grease em up and put em on properly just dont **** it cause the tyre might go past u lol when driving

[jyothi]

I haven't even looked around for prices yet. They say the whole hub needs to be changed??

[SAV_117]

whole hub its a vy isnt it shouldnt be ****ed already no way i reackon there ****ting u maybeeee might be wrong dont qoute me on that just suss it out for cracks or anythin that looks like it shouldnt be there there prob just trying to get money out of u but than isnt everyone

[Joey_19]

i think i might have found the problem the power steering rack is leaking may be causing this as when i turn the wheel it sqeeks a little bit when driving