Getting the wheels/tires balanced would be cheaper than replacing the hubs, so that might be a good start.
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The wheel hubs are expensive. parts and labor cost me over $600, which include alignment.
I haven't worked on cars for 20 years. probably could be a DIY project for somebody who as some experience in front-end work.
Take the car down to a front-end shop and get their opinion....in fact, take it to a couple or 3 of them
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Its a pretty easy DIY job, if you can handle changing the brakes, you can handle changing the hubs.
http://baize.sys-techs.com/wheelbearing.html This link has good instructions, and used to have good pics, but they dont seem to be available anymore, but the written instructions are still good.
It really is an easy job, you just need some jackstands and basic hand tools, as well as probably a good breaker bar, and you can borrow the 34 or 36mm (i cant remember which one it is) from an auto parts store. Same thing with the torque wrench. Most places will give you a full refund if you bring them back within a certain period of time as well.
The parts are fairly expensive, I think the el cheapo hubs are right at 100 bucks off ebay or the like. Personally I picked up a low mileage used OEM one from Ed Morad and it hasnt given me any problems so far, and Ive had it on since August. 60 bucks with a 90-day warranty, cant complain. An alignment shouldnt be necessary when just swapping out the hubs, you arent taking anything loose that would need to be re-aligned. Ed Morad will ship you an entire steering knuckle with a hub in it, I removed the hub from the knuckle he sent me and put it on my car, that simple.
I agree that taking it to some good wheel shops is a good idea, dont necessarily go to the major name brand places either, ask around and check out some of the local expertise.