rear wheel bearing - help

[brp987]

autopsy photos:

[spanos70]

Over the last couple months I've noticed the (slow) onset of noise coming from the driver-side rear wheel of my '01 with 49k. At first, I thought it was simply tire noise as cornering and braking did not cause any noise change. Over time the noise increased along with a slightly noticeable vibration. Also over time, I began to notice noise/volume to be altered when cornering the car.

I wish I realized it was the bearing sooner, as my mechanic had to remove the axle as it had seized to the hub and bearing assembly. Lucky for me the machine shop was able press out the axle, hub and bearing - but of course it cost me for the additional labor...

[eVoMotion]

My 02S is making noise again. I plan to take it to the dealer and get the other rear wheel bearing.

Here is another great write-up:
http://boxcar-racing.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=0722d73c35ea3ed070f1a173d53285 fd&topic=562.15