Front Wheel Bearing, to fit or not to fit

[bowline5]

My 2003 A6 C5 avant produces a significant ticking noise from the front right wheel in tight turns which I would put down to the cv joint although I haven't done any dismantling yet. I've got a replacement drive shaft ready to go in, I wonder whether I should change the bearing while I've got it apart. The car has done 180,000 miles, there is no sound or other indication of trouble when driving straight and level. Anyone got any ideas please?

[Trevor]

I wouldn't necessarily replace the bearing if it doesn't need it but I would ensure you follow the torque sequence exactly as some of them (not sure if your model is too early) use a bearing which you have to tighten the hub nut to the first stage with the weight off the wheel then go for the final tighten when its on the ground to allow the bearing to completely centralise and load correctly.