I certainly would say its a wheel bearing. Here is some good information give this a read!
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars...enance/3571667
The hill trick is a dead give away, that took the brakes, and power train out of the question.
And CV axles normally wont make any noise even when broken. if there isn't any power applied to them from the transmission.
Also a snip it from this "Then slather some fresh wheel-bearing grease on the spindle and slide the new bearing hub home. Torque the spindle nut" This is regarding greasing the wheel bearing.
Its possible if the spindle was not spotlessly clean any dirt or sand then it would tear apart a new bearing in just a few months. Or driving through deep water could certainly cause this.
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