Hi I have a loud noise coming from my front end and the dealer quoted $1,500 to fix the wheel bearings and do a transmission flush. I think that's insane. So I'm looking to order the bearings and any other recommended parts.
This is one of those jobs where you have to take it apart before you find out what needs fixing.
I can't speak to the wheel bearings. Transmission flush?!? (why?)
In the drawings elsewhere in this thread, I see the wheel hub is driven by a transaxle (one each for the left and right wheels). The boots on the transaxles protect a CV joint (Constant Velocity, like a universal joint, but triangular rather than square). If the boot is damaged, lubricant leaks out, dust gets in, and the CV joint eventually fails (with noise).
Each axle has 2 CV joints, each with a boot. If one boot fails, replace the joint and boot. If both fail, replace the axle with a rebuild (gets two new joints and boots) - axle replacement is a common repair.
Servicing the transaxles requires removing the axle from the vehicle (remove hub nut, disconnect engine side, should slide out of the wheel hub, note position of the CV joint for reassembly). Removal of the bearing from the suspension knuckle is not required. At this point, the condition of the bearing can be assessed. Replacement of the bearing likely requires removal of the axle first.
This sounds like the shop quoted the cost of replacing the hardest-to-get-to part, knowing that the transaxle would have to be removed in any case.
If any of this is new to you, you'll want read over transaxle repair first. And get help - this is not a first solo DIY repair job. You'll need this to replace the wheel bearing if the bearing is really bad - unlikely). Check the condition of the boots first.