From your description it does sound likely that the wheel bearing has failed. It is common. If there's movement in the hub without loosening the nut then the spindle part will almost certainly be worn as well.

If this spindle part is worn, does it cost alot to replace? Will this mean replacing the hub?
There is movement. I can rock the wheel toward me.
Going to book my car into a workshop for next week hopefully. Thinking ASG as they arent too far from my house.
Was going to ring up and book in for a front left wheel bearing replacement. Just wondering if im gonna be up for more cash if other parts are broken.
If just the wheel bearing was broken would the wheel rock toward me still?

__________________
WRX MY05
215HP - 16 PSI
Ultrex TBE
Cobb Air Intake
STI Intercooler

Different people use different terminology for the parts.
I call the 'hub' the complete assembly ie; the cast upright, the bearing and the 'spindle' (the flange with the 5 wheel studs that turns in the middle)

The bearing will need replacing for sure, what is not known is whther the 'spindle' is also unservicable. They won't know until it's apart, it will cost more, typically ~$150 extra. The cast iron hub part rarely needs changing except if it has been bent by an impact.

Yes. The wheel can move around if just the bearing has failed. Or it can not move at all and the bearing can still be faulty.
Prepare yourself for extra cost just in case. The guys at ASG are trustworthy.

Thanks heaps for all the info!! I have a better understanding of it all now.

I do have one more question, might be a stupid one though... Can i still drive on it? Would it be safe to drive it to ASG? Or should i get a trailer?

Thanks again for all the great help

__________________
WRX MY05
215HP - 16 PSI
Ultrex TBE
Cobb Air Intake
STI Intercooler

People drive on rooted wheel bearings for years. Some wait until the caliper has been worn away by the disc. None of it is safe but it's possible to save a few bucks. If you're in the RAC get them to tow it.

I'm going to bump up this thread and ask a question.

Today while swapping my wheels over for tomorrows sprint I noticed that if I put my hands at 12 & 6 o'clock on my left front wheel I was getting a small amount of movement. As in I could push the top back while pulling the bottom forward and vice versa, not much but there was definate movement there. I was getting nothing at 3 & 9 o'clock but I am guessing that it was the brakes that were stopping movement due to the rotor. I havent noticed any noises as yet.

Would this be the wheel bearing on its way out????

Could be control arm bushes or ball joints

Sounds like the same issue i had and mine was the wheel bearing. Best to get it checked straight away. I waited awhile and the wheel ended up destroying my abs sensor. So cost more to fix in the end.

__________________
WRX MY05
215HP - 16 PSI
Ultrex TBE
Cobb Air Intake
STI Intercooler

So was it just the bearing in the end or did it need the spindle that dtrally mentioned.

Did it cost much to get it sorted??

Do the same test again, leave the wheel on for more leverage. Get another person to hold the brakes hard on as you again test for movement. If the freeplay drops to zero once the brakes are applied it's 100% confirmation that the movement is in the bearing.