When I had my syncro it too needed front wheel bearings. You can tell from the
sound. The sound was a low frequency rumble that just got worse with time. If
you remember the sound that the soccer ball space ship made from the Star Treck
movie about time travel and whales thats very close.

When I got the old bearing out (in parts of course) it was really bad. all the
balls had been chewed up.

The bearings them selves are fairly expensive $60 aftermatket or over $100 from
the dealer. But in addition there are 2 seals on each side (4 total per car)
that are about $20 each. So allthese things do add up.

As far as doing the job once the bearing housing is out its just like a
Rabbit/golf/jetta. You do need a press.