Creaking sound--Wheel bearing?

[SweetErica74]

Got a problem I need help diagnosing! In the past week my '97 Sunfire convertible has begun making a horrible rubbing/creaking sound coming from the front passenger tire/wheel. It has gradually worsened, and today it finally became unbearable. I zipped up to a car parts place and had a guy listen to it. He suggested it was my brakes rubbing, and to replace them. Okay-- did that, and the sound still continues. While doing the brakes, I checked for any other sourses of the rubbing (as it is in sync with the rotation of my wheel, and constant except for slightly diminishing while making turns), and could find none. Incidentally, the brakes were not particularly worn, and was obviously not the source of the problem. My question is, what the heck could it be, before I take it in to a shop and get charged out the wa-zoo only to end up with it not fixed (as recently happened with my rear brakes failing. Two different shops, over $200 later, and ended up fixing it myself in an hour)? Could this be a wheel bearing, and a) is this easy to do myself or b) how much does something like that run, generally, to repair at a shop? Any other suggestions as to what it could be?

Thanks!!!!

 

[wde3477]

Not familiar with that vehicle. Suggest that the bearings are probably a sealed unit and replaceable as a bolt-in.

One other thought is the CV-joints, but they generally make a 'clunk-clunk' sound that worsens on turns, generally more-so in one direction than the other.

If you're mechanically inclined, and it sounds like you are - suggest to lift the front end, rotate the wheels by hand, and listen. Wheel bearings are hard to diagnose as to which side - may have to just replace one side, then if that doesn't fix it, swap with the other side. Also, suggest to get a shop manual - chilton's, haynes, motor, or GM - and read up on the procedures. If you can do it yourself, you will save oodles on labor costs, as well as the parts markups charged by garages.

Not to knock garages - hey, they have to make a living. But by being able to do things yourself, you know first-hand the quality of the work. It sounds like you've had experience with a couple of places that aren't up to generally accepted standards.

 

[SweetErica74]

Thanks for the quick response! I'm fairly sure it isn't the CV joint-- no clunking or the dreaded 'clicking' when making a tight turn (such as in a parking lot). I'm fairly mechanically inclined, enough to be able to jack up the car and bolt something in if its that easy. I've got a Haynes, and will look thru it, see what it tells me regarding the skill needed. At worst, I may end up taking it to a shop during the week, letting them diagnose it, then do it myself it does turn out to be something simple. Will post back with results at some point, to help the next person out....