i'll start off by saying that i don't know much about wheel bearings, and if you're sure that's what it is i can't help you, BUT
from your description it sounds more like you need strut bearings. these are also very cheap, but harder to replace. it involves taking out the entire strut, and taking it apart. at the very least you'll need a pair of spring compressors (autozone rents these for free). took me 3 hours the first time. got it down to about an hour and a half now. (this is per-side)
decision to bring it into a mechanic is totally yours. depends on how mechanically inclined and willing to work on your car it is. the work isn't terribly complicated, just tedious.
from your description it sounds more like you need strut bearings. these are also very cheap, but harder to replace. it involves taking out the entire strut, and taking it apart. at the very least you'll need a pair of spring compressors (autozone rents these for free). took me 3 hours the first time. got it down to about an hour and a half now. (this is per-side)
decision to bring it into a mechanic is totally yours. depends on how mechanically inclined and willing to work on your car it is. the work isn't terribly complicated, just tedious.
