I'd like to take a 1500 mile trip from CT to Buses by the Beach in MI. But a few things have me worried that the '85 Westy might not be ready for the trip. Since I recently replaces my power steering rack, I took the van in for an alignment. They only adjusted the toe, saying that I needed front wheel bearings and that they couldn't do an accurate adjustment of camber or caster. I'm not sure how much I trust them. 

My question about the front is what kind of signs do front wheel bearings give as they're wearing? How bad can you let them get before there is a safety hazzard? I did notice that there is some grease now covering the driver's side wheel, and looks like it's coming out of the "hub cover" where the speedo cable attachment is. (I hope I've described that right.)

As for the rear, since shortly after I've owned the van, (ten months, about half of it being driven) I've noticed a "pop-pop-pop" noise coming from the right side rear wheel as I make a hard right turn at slow speed (under 20 mph). I don't seem to make this kind of turn very often, so I tend to forget about the noise until the next time. Could this be a wheel bearing also? I get worried about the wheels because quite a long time ago, I was borrowing my mother's '85 Golf, and as I was driving down the road, there was a "thud" and as I looked in the rear view mirror, I saw the right rear wheel rolling along behind me. I don't want that to happen to the Vanagon as I'm driving to Michigan.

Lastly, although I try to avoid MIdas and Meineke and the like for most things, is this something that they do (if it is wheel bearings)? I'm just thinking time; if I have to have work done before I leave Thu. afternoon, they are usually the places that can get you in fast.

Thanks for any advice,
Ed in CT