I have a slight noise coming from my front left when i turn the wheel. Had my timing belt replaced today and asked the mechanic what the noise might be? He said that the hub needs to be replaced. Is it possible its just the bearing and not the whole hub?

Yes you can just do the bearings. Had 2 on my old vrs, they are pressed bearings tho do you'll need a press or get a garage to do it.

It's a PITA to do as SNH says you need a press and also to be careful with the abs ring

Do you think the mechanic is trying to pull the wool over my eyes by saying that the whole hub needs to be replaced? You really have to listen carefully to hear the sound and its intermittent. I know a bit about cars and i know that the hub only wears away if you leave the problem unattended for a long time. I guess the only way to knwo is to strip it first?

What is the abs ring and does it have to be removed in order to replace the bearing? I can get access to a bearing press. Is there an issue with getting the other half of the bearing off the axel as well?

If its the bearing you should be able to feel it, if you jack the offending side up and move/wobble the wheel. But as raf says if your doing it yourself be careful of that abs ring. Just buy the bearings and take them to the mechanic either that or find an honest one that won't spank your wallet for bits that don't need doing.

Can't see how the hub can wear lol

You have to go through the abs ring to push the bearing out, damage occurs when people miss out the press bit and hit the ring lol

Sent from my Galaxy S2 not a Crapple!

Guys thanks for the help, its much appreciated. I think I'll remove the hub and have the bearing changed out in a proper press. I read something about the part thats on the axle (I assume on the driveshaft), does that need a special tool to remove?

Thanks again guys.

The only thing that may need special tool is the shock mount/pinch bolt, apparently loosening the shock can be a pita. Had the lower wishbone and driveshafts off without special tools

Sent from my Galaxy S2 not a Crapple!

thanks Raf! Will keep you guys posted.