Wheel Bearings

[snrusnak]

Hi I have a noise coming from the driver front wheel of my wife's aveo, sounds kind of like a nail in the tire, but there isn't anything actually in the tire. It isn't a constant noise it's based on the tires rotation(the frequency increases with speed). It's mostly only audible at slower speeds maybe up to like 45mph then I'm not sure if it goes away or just can't hear it over other road noise.

I noticed the wheel bearings look to be a PITA to change, pressed in and all. Is this something I could do with regular tools, or do I need some sort of press? I have a lot of tools and mechanical skill but don't have a press and have never done wheel bearings on a car with this type of design. I'm guessing I should do ball joints and struts at the same time since it all has to come apart anyway(car has 120,000 miles).

Thanks for any help. We don't have an extra car but I do have a motorcycle I can use and the wife can use my truck, but I can't ride the bike to and from work for more than a week or so...

[classic67]

You can take the spindle off yourself and take them to a shop to press them out and in.Unless your car is still under warranty thats going to be your cheapest solution.

[snrusnak]

Can someone elaborate on the process of taking the spindle off?

Remove strut from spindle
Slide CV axle out of spindle
Remove spindle from lower control arm(ball joint) - I've never done this...

If it's that "easy" then I'm not worried about it. Like you said I can get someone to press the bearings.