Clutch replacement...now worn wheel bearings???

[ejaf]

OK...

Seems as if having my clutch replaced has opened up a can of worms.

After doing the replace (4DSD 5MT, 85K miles), the mechanic said that the wheel bearings are worn and should be replaced. Prior to the change, noticed no looseness in the front end at all. Took it for a test drive just now, and am hearing squeaking noises when starting from a standing stop, and rolling slowly, and it just feels loose.

I did some thread searching, and found a thread that mentions to check the bearings, jack up the car and feel for vibration on the springs while turning the wheel, which I can do this weekend.

My question is more around whether having this sort of work done can cause worn bearings to become more pronounced, since you are really ripping some major axle parts away from their prospective homes, so to speak.

Thanks in advance...Eric