2003 Chevy Tahoe bearings

I just picked my car up at the shop where I paid close to $500 for a tune-up, oil change, air conditioning charge and a new serpentine belt. While the car was still there, I got a call from the mechanic asking me if I had any plans to go out of town in the car. He also ask me if I had heard any noise in the stearing. I answered, "No." I hadn't noticed any problems with my car and only took it in for the check-up. He informed me that his mechanic said I needed both front bearings replaced and that it would cost just under $1,000.00!!! I just really think that sounds high and possibly unecessary, but he did say that I shouldn't drive it out of town. Scare tactic? Your thoughts? If it is something of concern can one of my guy friends do this without ruining my truck? Thanks ahead of time.