Bad wheel bearing???

[dfor]

1998 GMC K-2500 pickup. What are the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing? I am getting a loud squeal from the left rear wheel. It was only happening in reverse, but now in foreward (intermittently). Right now the truck is in the shop, the right rear axle seal is leaking. If this is one of the symptoms, I'll also bring this up to him and have him check it out.

[JohnnyU]

I would consider a 'squealing' to be related to a brake issue. Usually the brakes have 'squealers' on them, to alert you when the pad is wearing close to the rivets. I would inspect the brake pads and rotors. Wheel bearings usually create a more 'grindy' type of noise, most commonly when turing a corner, or so I have seen. Either way, a bearing or brakes, both are fairly simple to repair/replace. Good luck with the rear axle seal.