quick question. To figure out if my bearings are gone bad can i jack my car up pop her in neutral and spin each wheel individually to listen carefully? or is there a better way?

 

Jessy, the easiest way is to lift each wheel off of the ground, then grab on to the sides of the wheel (not the top and bottom) and attempt to turn each wheel side to side (like you would be wanting the car to turn a corner). If you get any play, a part needs to be replaced. This will also check the a-arms and whatnot. So, having a second person there to help show where the movement is will be advantageous.

You can check in the up/down direction, but for this, you will want a 2x4 or other long pry bar. Slide the pry bar under the tire, then lift up to apply some sideward force and check for any movement that way. DON'T!!!!! use your hands for this. If the car slips off the jackstand, your hand will get crushed.

If you see movement where the shaft goes into the hub, then it is time for new hub assemblies. There is some allowable movement, but it is so small that it will appear as no movement to the eye unless you have eagle vision.

 

And you do not need to be in neutral to check the bearing play. Use a push/pull motion, push on the 3 o'clock position and pull on the 9 o'clock position.

Do you have some symptoms of bearing failure? Are you hearing a grinding noise or similar from one of the wheels while underway?