97' XLT Wheel Bearings?

[tturse]

Hey all! Quick newbie question about the wheel bearings on my xlt. I think one of the front bearings is going out due to whining noise that is getting louder over time- typical bearing noise. Anyway, the mechanic said that this year has one of two kinds of bearing designs, with one kind being very inexpensive to fix and the other being very costly to replace and that he would need to pull the wheel to see which kind it was? I'm just wondering if there any way to tell which type I have by the VIN number? Any help would be very much appreciated.

TIA,

Thomas Turse
1997 XLT SOHC
Denver, CO *(currently in Chicago at Mother-in-law's house- ugh...)

 

[dogfriend]

do you have 4wd or 2wd?

2wd is very conventional and should not cost more than any other typical truck.

4wd has a special design which combines the front wheel bearing and the anti lock brake sensor ring into a sealed unit. These are expensive - the parts cost over $200 per side. Doh!

 

[tturse]

It's 4wd....$200 for the parts???? Our Pug Stanley says that really stinks

 

[dogfriend]

Check this thread:

Gold Plated Wheel Bearings