Honda Repair: 1994 Honda Accord rear wheel bearing, rear disc brakes, wheel bearing noise

Question
Hello. I have a 1994 Accord EX 4dr 4cyl (rear disc brakes) and my left rear wheel is making high pitch harmonic noise, similar to a tuning fork. It only happens at 50mph +/-3mph and it gets louder than the radio. I imagine the harmonic continues as I speed up but goes out of my hearing range. Regardless, I believe it is the wheel bearing. I had my wheels rotated and balanced after hearing the noise. It continued. First question: Do you think it's the wheel bearing? Second: It's been going on for nearly 2 weeks; is my wheel about to lock up? Third: The only bearing I'm finding come with the mounting flange and cost $50-$70; do you know of a source for only the bearing cartridge itself? I would think ball bearings inside a sealed retainer should not cost $50.
Again, I'm assuming it's the wheel bearing. I can't think of anything else that would make the noise. It doesn't change when I tap the brakes. It does not make the familiar grinding sound at low speeds.
Thank you for your input.
-Tim Smith  

Answer
Tim:
Hard to say if the wheel bearing, my experience has been that the wheel bearing noise is at a lower speed (about 30) and it is more of a growl. If it is the bearing it won't lock up the noise will just annoy you, I've driven on bad wheel bearings for 4 to 5 thousand miles. As for the assembly itself, you would need a press to remove the bearing and you would have to press the new one in, thus your savings would be lost. With a high pinched noise I would be more inclined to think it is the brake pads. Sorry I can't be of more help.
Good luck.
Bill