Volvo Repair: Wheel bearing, 2000 volvo s70, wheel bearings

Question
Hi, I went in to have my 105k service on my 2000 volvo s70 at swedish car expert place.  I had just bought car yr before used and it was in great condition when bought.  I had had it checked out by 3 places and the man who owned autobody shop was friend of my father so it was a great car and ran smooth.  the swedish experts told me i need not only new timing belt replaced but also serpentine belt. I did not question since timing belt is reccomended by volvo at 105k and new brake pads.  I said ok. Before this car ran so smoothly and quietly during regular driving and on highway.  Then they said one of my wheel bearings wasnt right and needed replacing.  i came at end of day to pick car up and they said the wheel bearing they replaced was fine and it was hit or miss which wheel bearing was cause problem and so it was def other wheel.  and they needed me to bring that in tomorrow to be done.  so i said, oh ok, so u will not charge for this one but charge for one that actually needs to be repaired. They said no we charge for this one and that one cause theres no way for us to be certain absolutely.  its hit or miss.  I said ok check with my dad since he pays bills and im in college and bring it back for other wheel when i can since it seemed fishy to me.  i never went back but ever since then the car sounds so loud driving. it is unbearable to drive inside and esp on highway too its so loud.  So, i have two questions.  does wheel bearing explanation they gave make sense and is standard procedure and what could be causing noise? wheel problem or timing belt cause it sounds like coming from engine.  i called em and am gng in they said noise is probably from other wheel bearing.  but thing is when i took it in there was no noise.  This is my first car so im no expert.  Your wisdom would be much appreciated.  thanks.

Answer
Well if it sounds like a growling sound while your driving that changes in pitch while you're driving it is definitly the wheel bearing.  Sometimes they just wear out, no explanation to it.  They could have done a better job figuring out which one it was though.  They make more noise when they are loaded with extra weight so when you drive the car listen for if it gets louder when the weight shifts.  Louder on acceleration means its a rear, louder on braking means its a front.  Louder on lefts means its a right, and louder on rights means its a left.  They only problem with this system is that to shift the weight back you have to gun the engine which usually overpowers the noise with revving sounds.  I can feel for your situation but I have done the same thing where I guessed wrong with which wheel; mind you, that I only guess like that when the repair will be billed as warranty.  Hope that helps.

James