my car makes a loud noise when driving, and ive determined it to be a back wheel bearing. my only problem is i dont know how to tell which one it is. anyone have any pointers? i was just planing to replace that entire hub, rather than just the bearing, because it would be easier. thanks

 

Lift the car and turn the wheel and see if it turns freely

Or drive the car then make a hard turn on both sides.. whichever side has the noise it will be that one.

Now are you sure it's the bearing? it will be like a grinding noise all the time or when you make a hard turn.. check (if you have drum brakes) to see if that could be the problem also.

 

its a noise all the time.

 

Jack the car up in the back and turn each wheel. Most of the time a wheel bearing causes the wheel to be loose if you grab it with both hands and try and move it back and forth. It will also like they said spin freely and faster than normal. It could also be the brakes, especially if you have disk brakes which normally is a stuck caliper. You'll have to jack it up and look around to tell.