Wheel bearings

[Apache]

How would I know if they were on the way out?

I have a 'rattly' type sound from the front wheels when slowing almost to a stop. Might be the hubs (which Tony is replacing with Warns next month) but I'd like to find out if the bearings are healthy cos if they're not then I'll ask him to replace them too while he's doing the hubs as it surely must be easier then?

[Slugsie]

The standard test for bearings is to jack the wheel up, and try rocking it top/bottom. If it's got more than a few mm play then the bearings are either loose or on their way out. You can try tightening them up a bit and see if that takes fixes it.