Sway bar link problem???

[lojoship]

I have a 2003 PT Limited Ed. with about 53,000 miles on it. I have had 2 new front tires and the brake pads replaced on the front as well within the last 6 months. The car has over time developed a strange sound that seems hard to describe even for car people. It kind of makes a rubbing, squeaky spring type sound from the right front wheel which seems to get worse as the car is driven and warms up. A mechanic rode in the car with me and says it might be the sway bar link but he can't tell for sure. I have an appt. for Thurs. afternoon to have it put on the lift to see if they can tell for sure. I have a fear of mechanics and car dealerships from past experience. If it is the sway bar how much would be a reasonable amt. to charge to fix it? Should I buy the part(s) myself and then have a mechanic put it on? Is it something that needs to be done on each of the front wheels? I am a woman who doesn't know much about cars and I'm married to a man who has many great qualities but a knowledge of cars is not one of them. Any input would be appreciated.

[quicksilverdon]

Might be bushings (rubber "isolators"). Do not replace with the stock ones, get polyurethane - they last much longer. The bushings aren't expensive, labor costs more than the parts.
Sway bar has bushings, too. Might be able to just appply grease.