I have a '02 escape with 96,000 miles on it. Great truck wouldn't trade it for anything. My question to you all is how tough is it to replace. I have read on past forums that the bearings are pressed in. I ralked with a local machine shop and they stated that they would press a new one in for $30. That being said I am only concerned with how hard it will be to get the wheel hub assembly off. I have changed bearings on previous vehicles I have owned but none had the bearings pressed in. If anyone has any ideas on this I would appreciate any comments or pointers. Thanks in advance for any help/ideas......

 

Since its of the newer vehicles the hub should be held on by 3 or 4 bolts on the backside. I can't really think of any other way Ford would try to fasten these on but im pretty sure this is how they would do it even though i have never touched an escape before.

 

You sure it's the outter bearing? whats the issue your having? these escapes are very bad for tire noise, which sounds similar to a bad bearing. also, there is a center support bearing on the right side axle shaft that could go bad as well. it is an entire shaft assembly that detaches from the axle.

 

It has to be the bearing(I hope) Just had tires rotated and balanced at the 5000 mile interval. The tires have 6000 miles on them. I am hoping is in not the latter of the problems you mentioned. Thanks for the tip though. I think I am going to take it into the shop tomorrow. Will let you know how it turns out.

 

it in fact was a bad wheel bearing. Local mechanic charged $60 to replace and i bought the new bearing for $35. The machine shop wanted 40 dollars just to press the new bearing in. For 60 bucks I saved myself the hassle of changing it out and the 40 bucks to the machine shop. Not a bad deal at all. I would suggest to anyone who reads this to shop around for the new bearings. AutoZone wanted $62 for a new one and O'reilly had theirs priced at $35. The only difference is that Autozone's was a timkin brand and the O'reilly was a federal mogul. For the price difference I couldn't see the difference. Anyway thanks for everyone's response.

 

Was autozone's the whole hub assembly with bearing? That seems near the prices I was quoted for the whole hub/bearing combo...Bearings alone were $30...my uncle's shop has a press he said I could come do the work...What is involved in removing the hub? Just a few bolts or do other things mount to it...ie suspension or anything...my uncle said that sometimes they attach suspension to the hub but not sure...any help appreciated!

 

Look at my first post on this thread. Give ya a hint, its where the strut meets the steering knuckle.

 

I'll have to go out in the below 20 degree weather and give it a looksy! ; ) I need motivation for that!!! Thanks...