So if my car is 7 years old with 42,000 miles, what could have caused my front left wheel bearing to go bad? I've checked around and the bearing itself can be $20-$30 and the bearing assembly from $99-$250. If it makes an intermitant whining/winding noise whilein drive going up or down hills, and accelerating should the bearing just need replaced, or the whole assembly? Should my local auto store have any of these parts? How long should this take to fix?

 

You have to replace the whole assembly. Not difficult, and most parts stores carry them.

 

I can't just get the bearing?

 

As Pete said, you have to replace the whole asssembly. I just had to replace one of mine.