Rear Wheel Bearing Problem?

[andylphoto]

My wife's Corolla has a noise coming from the rear. It first manifested itself as a "pulsating" rubbing noise, but only when braking. Then I started hearing it faintly when making a hard turn, even when not braking. At this point, I was still thinking brakes, because it was definitely louder when braking. The noise is also related to the rotation of the wheel--i.e. frequency decreases as the car slows down.

I popped the drums off, and the brake shoes DID need replacement, so I went ahead and replaced everything and had the drums machined. Put everything back together, and the noise is still there. Possibly even a bit louder. So my first thought was that one of the drums was warped, because of the pulsating, but the shop assured me that if that was the case, having them machined would have removed any warp.

Is it possible that this is a wheel bearing going bad? I did check for play when I had the rear end up, and there didn't seem to be any play in either. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

EDIT: I should add that it's a 2002 Corolla S, so it has the sealed bearing/hub assembly.

[thespud]

That sounds like it could be the bearing going bad... Could it also be a bouncy shock absorber?

[tashirosgt]

You shouldn't trust your ability to judge the location of a noise too much. Did you check the brake on the the the other rear wheel? Also check the front wheels.

[freakinbox]

try jacking the car up and wiggling the wheel. IF it moves around the wheel bearing is finished.