95 Caravan bearing problem?

[Flashfox]

I have a 1995 Dodge Caravan w/3.0L engine. Several months ago, the left front wheel developped a "squeeking sound" that is not related to the brakes. A service center told me that it was the bearing but that there was no need to change it unless it gets much worse. Odd recommendation, but as it came from a Dodge dealership, I did not worry.

Although I have noticed no drivability problems (i.e. steering, balancing, braking, etc.), the "squeeking sound" is getting worse and now the sounds are getting "weirder" (ok, that's the best way I can describe it ;-)

I suspect that I should change the wheel bearing... but I then learned that this was not possible. It seems that I need to change the wheel hub (?).

Thus my questions:

1. Can I just have the bearing changed or is it more involved?

2. If so, what should I expect as a cost (dealer job, as I do not have the tools)?

Thanks in advance.

[GTP Dad]

The bearing and hub are an integral part and must be replaced at the same time. They cost between 90 and 110 dollars at autozone so expect to pay about 120 to 150 at a dealer. The labor will take about 2 hours so you could have another 120 dollars involved in labor depending on the dealers labor rate. Check some of the smaller repair shops they may be able and willing to do the job cheaper.

[slantsixness]

The hub does cost $100.00. You can change it yourself and it doesn't take two hours. take off the wheel, remove the CV nut (might have to buy a big socket and a breaker bar) and remove the 4 bolts holding it to the strut assembly. Assembly is reverse of this. Change both fronts or rears at the same time. Rear bearings don't have the CV nuts, and actually cost more ($110-$130).

Coincidently, if you strip a lug nut, or break a stud, you have to replace the hub assemby too.

[Flashfox]

Well, it wasn't the wheel bearing after all.

To my delight (and $$$ savings), I determined that it was the left front hub cap that was broken and somehow scraping. The sounds came from there. I changed the hub caps and the sounds went away. It's been two weeks now and no matter where I go, I do not hear the squeeking and grinding sounds any more.

Simple, yes... but the shop that mentioned that it was a bearing problem was either totally incompetent or looking to scam me.

In any event, it works ;-)