heh - describing sounds in usenet is interesting.......I would not describe
it as a rattle, though - more of a hum.   The faster you drive, the higher
the pitch of the hum, until you can't hear it due to the pitch and other
factors like road noise and such, which was why it seemed to disappear.   I
thought snow tires or tires going bad was a good description, as I heard it
and didn't feel it.  As to different sources,  I don't know - could be.  I
think I remember someone stating that the Timken bearings are the OEM
bearings, and that's what I put on.  They are the best to replace them with
as the aftermarkets I saw were foreign crap and was told I'd be replacing
them even sooner.  Timken is a good bearing manufacturer, as I use them for
unrelated bearings with my job, so I truly believe it's not a problem with
the bearings, but that the wrong bearings were specified in the first place
for the design of the Vue.  As for why some go, and some don't, driving
habits (aggressive/passive styles) may have to play a part.  I used to be an
aggressive driver with hard turns and such, but have calmed down as of late
with gas prices, and a family to think about. My 68 year old father has the
same Vue as you (but an '06), (and drives like a 68 year old), has 40K on it
and his bearings are fine.........(so far)  :)

IYM

If you have a "rattle" then it is not wheel bearings. Most likely some
kind of suspension bushings (another frequent issue with VUE's) since
mine have been replaced 3 times now.  Since I am not a mechanic and don't
want to be one, I am dumping this thing before I get 60k on it and no
warranty.
JohnS