You can tell if it is the CV joint or bearing quite easily.
Just hold the wheel assembly and try to rotate the axle with your hand. If there is any radial play at all in the CV joint, then the joint is no good. Any play will be obvious. If the boot is torn, you might as well replace right away. It will make noise too when you shift fwd to rev. However you do it,do it safely.
From your description, your problem is the hub and bearing. If there is visible play there, (which you have) you have a problem. (Edit:) -You should be able to feel the grinding in the bearing just by rotating it by hand.- You need to change the hub/bearing assembly ASAP. Another poster suggested you do not drive the vehicle, and I agree.
Also, make sure there is no play in your strut mounts, ball joints, and tie rod ends. That might mean you need an alignment too. Is there any sign of uneven tire wear? If you know what to look for , you can tell if the toe or camber is off. Caster is a bit trickier.
If you want to do this yourself, you can do that if you know what you are doing. However, I would suggest that you ask a professional mechanic to look at your steering and suspension. A safety check does not cost much. They can pick out trouble that you might not see.
It's the wheel bearing.Replace them on both sides because the other one will be gone soon. They wear out in pairs.
you should not be driving that vehicle if your hub is that loose. you will be going down the road and the whole wheel will fall off including the hub and probably take the cv with it. if your hub is that loose and your wheel bearing is probably making the noise then you should be replacing both the hub and bearing.
Wheel bearing is bad. It is part of the hub assembly, replace the whole thing. Easy to change as long as you have the tools to remove the center axle nut. There are 3 short bolts behind the spindle that hold the hub in place. With the caliper removed, it then slides right off. Maybe a few whacks with a hammer to get it unstuck from the axle, bout there are no press fits or anything. Cheap Chinese parts on ebay. About $60 for both sides if you are on a budget. I put some on mine. Worked fine. Sold car before they wore out, but they were still going strong with over 25k miles on them.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-NEW-Front-Left...
Just replaced both rotors and brake pads on a 02 Pontiac grand am. I have a rough grinding sound on the passenger side. And my hub has up and down play in it. Is that my hub or axel?
