So I had my buddy at tires plus take a look at the front end of my 01' STS because lately it's been making this "howling" noise, and when he put it up on the hoist he had me look at something. Both wheels wiggle from side to side and up and down a bit. He said it was probably the wheel bearings and the outer tie rod ends on both sides, is he right with that diagnosis??

Take the car back to your buddy and put it back up on the lift. While somebody wiggles the tire, somebody else should be looking to see where the play is at. If the tie rods, ball joints, and control arm bushings show no movement, then the hub is at fault.

Don

alright, i'll do that. thanks a lot

And the wheel bearing is part of the hub assembly.

that's what I thought too...I found them for a very reasonable price on Rockauto.com compared to any parts store I've checked around here. Still wish I could figure out why I have no climate control though, I don't get it? :)

To add to Dadillac's post, place your hands at 12:00 & 6:00 when you wiggle the wheel and again at 3:00 & 9:00. Play at 12 & 6 = bearing. Play at 6 & 9 = tie rods.

A howling noise is most likely a wheel bearing. And just like ranger said, 12 and 6 indicates a worn bearing. Not hard to do yourself if you have a little bit of mechanical knowledge.

exactly...it does that up and down and side to side. So if I get some new hubs and outer tie rod ends it should fix the problem? I don't really wanna mess with it myself but a friend of mine told me he'd do it for $50 a side....

That should do it, though it could be the bearings only. Only a good inspection will tell.