hi

have a ef fairmont that makes a growl or hum noise after about 40 km/hr and it gets louder as the speed increases and is comming from the front.

the noise changes a little when you turn the wheel left or right cant remember.

and jacked up and theres a small play at 12 & 6 position and think there was a unusual small noise on one side but couldnt spin wheel by hand fast enough.

anyone know if its wheel bearings and has anyone had same problem and how do you know if wheel bearings are going

Sounds like wheel bearings. Check for play in the front wheel.

Jacked up and grabbed wheel at 12 & 6 pos and both sides seem to have a few mm play and one side seemed to grind but couldn't spin wheel fast enough to see.

Can't be power steer water pumps or alternator or idler pulleys or any engine accs as it's quiet at idle and reving standing still

Jack the car up, remove the front wheels, take off the caliper and then check the play with the disc.

You should be able to spin the disc easily and hear any grinding clearly.

I still think your bearings are stuffed.

Also while you have your wheels off you can pop the grease cap and check the grease in the bearings.

Does sound like a wheel bearing issue. If it hasn't been replaced before, chances are they are gone by now!

Not a hard of a job to do, but can get messy with the bearing grease.