2001 Pontiac Grand Am (3.4L SFI)

[wild]

My car is making a loud noise in the front of the vehicle that reminds me of an hole in the exhaust system or of a motorcycle slowly opening the throttle (I'm a girl so excuse the pitiful excuse of trying to describe the noise) but the noise stops when the wheel is turned to the left. I was told by a repair shop that the problem (without taking the car out for a road test) is the wheel bearings/hub needs to be replaced and the estimate cost with labor would be $397.99:eek::roll2:. Is this the wheel bearings/hub going bad? :???:Is there only one of these or two and if there are two should they both be replaced? Help.....expert advice is needed here please! :???:

[HeyDace]

I've never heard a bearing making a "motorcycle exhaust" noise before but I can't hear it from here so I would have to take the garages diagnosis as is. If your not sure, take it to another shop for a second opinion. Personally, I would not trust this mechanic, no road test? Is he the "Car whisperer"? :)

Hub bearings don't need to be replaced in pairs although your mechanic would like you to think that (bumps up his ticket and he gets a larger commission).
By the way, that estimate is about average, so your not getting shafted.

[wild]

Thanks for your reply Dace. I just think that $397.99 is a steep price when I can get a wheel bearing/hub part on Auto Zone for $99.99.

[rixGAphx]

Thanks for your reply Dace. I just think that $397.99 is a steep price when I can get a wheel bearing/hub part on Auto Zone for $99.99.AutoZone ADVERTISES itself as 'the discount parts store.'

Reputable mechanics don't buy 'discount stuff', because it has a higher failure rate.
They buy higher-quality/more-reliable/more-expensive parts thru NAPA.
After all, the MECHANIC is the one who has to spend HIS labor to remove and replace a part that doesn't last thru HIS warranty period.

So, a quality hub-bearing-sensor assembly thru NAPA is gonna be about $200 with sales tax, and the labor about 1.5 hours at $80 (not taxed); plus 25% 'shop supplies' =
(200 + 120) x 1.25 = 320 x 1.25 = 320 + 80 = 400.

But definitely get a second opinion, including a road test.

The work to install the '99 assembly from AutoZone can be done by any home mechanic with a Haynes manual for your car ($20) and a special axle nut large socket (about $12).
So if the second shop confirms the diagnosis, you might find somebody knowledgeable to help you out.

Good luck,
-Rick