Wheel bearings or tires cupping??

[ironcitymaiden]

Problem #2!

I got two new front tires for my 2003 Cruiser in January. A couple months ago I started noticing a faint hum, which has gotten increasingly louder. It is now loud enough to really annoy me. Last month, I took my car to a reputable local garage for PA state inspection. The mechanic initially reported to me that I needed new wheel bearings, but he ultimately decided that the noise was due to my tires cupping. He told me this is common and harmless.

Both of my front tires had also been leaking air for a while to the point where I was refilling 1-2x per week. A few days ago I took the car to Firestone/Bridgestone thinking I needed new tires. They told me both of the valve stems were leaking and replaced them to the tune of $50 (I subsequently found out this was absurdly pricey but, too late now). They also told me that I need new wheel bearings and that the noise was NOT due to tire cupping because it gets louder as you accelerate. They told me it wasn't bad now but I would start to get some play in my steering and then I would have to fix it. They gave me an estimate of $400+ and told me I will also have to get the car aligned again, an additional $159.99 (for lifetime realignment).

Does any of this sound kosher?

[white]

I just had a wheel bearing replaced and the wheel hub also and NO alignment was needed. They don't need to touch any of the stearing alignment stuff to do a wheel bearing. And my car steers just like new now.

[CREWZIN]

If your asking about the alignment, the cupping of your tires is almost certainly caused by needing an alignment or your struts are worn out. If your asking about the price of the alignment, a lifetime of alignments is only worth it if you plan on keeping the PT for a few more years. $159.00 isn't bad for the lifetime. Your PT is 5 years old and if your a normal driver you probably have at least 60K on the odometer. Have the struts checked also.

[ironcitymaiden]

Thanks much. I'll find out for sure on Thursday.