Firstly thanks for all the help and advice re my last issue.

it broke down over XMAS and I needed a new alternator.

New problem now. I get a grinding noise, rattling when travelling .

When I brake the noise goes, when travelling at the same or steady speed, it goes, could it be the wheel bearings, and if so, how much am I going to get shafted

I've just had a wheel bearing on it's way out. From what I can tell they tend to make a noise proportionate to the speed you travel at. So braking in itself would not stop the sound unless braking brought you below the speed at which the sound starts.

To check the bearings... Put the car in first gear and preferably chock the front wheels. Jack up each rear wheel, with handbrake off, spin that wheel. It will probably make a noise if the bearing has gone. Also hold wheel at 9 and 3 o clock and see how much play there is, and also 12 and 6.

For the rear bearings you should be able to get one side done for under £50 if you call around. They're the same as a VW Polo. Or you can pick up the parts including a sachet of grease for £10 inc delivery on ebay.

The front bearings are designed to live the life of the vehicle from what I can tell and I understand they are probably more difficult to replace. If no sound or play in rears, could be worth trying the fronts. Leave out of gear, handbrake on hardish, preferably chock rear wheels. Again jack up each side etc.

Could simply be a broken brake pad steady spring, allowing the pad(s) to rattle on the caliper. No action needed, frankly - all my Favorits have always done that more often than not.

I will go with the brake pad spring too , ive only ever replaced pads becauseof this on my favvy and fun. Ive yet to wear a set out

Almost certainly bearings, pad springs, or a rusty disc.

exuast not on properly? i had new clutch put in while back an they didn't put the exuat back on right so it was loose.