Bad Wheel Bearing

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Nov 15, 2007 | 03:13 PM

Ford43

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Bad Wheel Bearing

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......

Nov 17, 2007 | 10:36 AM

385seriesHemi

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From: Malvern, Ohio

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.

Nov 19, 2007 | 12:53 PM

Wilber15

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From: Duluth, MN

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.

Nov 20, 2007 | 04:51 AM

Ford43

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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.

Nov 24, 2007 | 11:06 AM

Ford43

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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.

Nov 24, 2007 | 12:21 PM

aquill1

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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!