bad wheel bearing?

[turbojohnny]

i've been doing some research on here but haven't found a definite answer. at around 55mph i feel a vibration in my front end seems to be the passenger side. and today doing some work in my brakes i noticed that the front passenger side wheel has a decent amount of play in it. i can put my hand on the top of the tire and pull it in and out maybe about 1/4 of an inch either way. then when i had the wheel and rotor off i noticed that the hub itself has some play in it too. so before i go on eeuroparts and order the new bearing does anyone have any input or advice?
thanks in advance
-John

[earthworm]

This seems more like an axle nut not properly tightened and a possible need for wheel balance.

Noise, a rumbling, grinding noise is synonymous with pitted spots on ball bearings.

[turbojohnny]

nah the wheels are properly balanced. it could be a loose axle nut but i don't have a socket big enough to check that as of right now, i'll have to pick one up tomorrow after work and check it out. maybe post up some pics too.

[turbojohnny]

hey earthworm you're the man. i should send you the $40 you saved me!
although the socket did cost $17 and then the nut is going to cost like $8. but still cheaper and easier than a wheel bearing. looks like those dummies at aamco reused the original axle nuts when they replaced my transmission.