I said front wheel hub, but I'm not sure.

1981 245 GLT; 296,000 miles. All brake pads in good shape. Last Fall when driving the car, at times, it would produce a front end area, "groan." I quickly noticed that if I tapped the brakes, it went away.

After observing this a few times I decided to feel the front hubs when I got home to see if something was overheating. It was: left front hub was quite hot while is companion on the right side was cool. Ah ha, I thought...maybe I'm getting a bad wheel bearing.

I pulled left front wheel and brake pads. Even wear on pads; 60% surface left. I took my small bar and gently, "levered," in all pistons and all worked easily. So much for sticky caliper piston says I.

I pulled hub. Plenty grease there. Outer bearings fine; I did not pull inner grease seal to release the actual bearing, (didn't have a new one), but worked the bearing and nothing gritty, etc. It seems fine.

Re-assembled and, of course, have the same problem.

It seems that:
1. I have a sticky caliper piston regardless of my observations. But if so, why the even wear on the pads?
2. I have a bad inner wheel bearing in spite of my checking it.
3. I have a front flexible brake hose with a deteriorating interior and a piece of rubber is preventing release of brake fluid at times.


I hate to merely replace everything, but I might have to. I'm asking here in case someone can suggest a better diagnostic plan than mine.

Suggestions?

Thanks,
Dennis