A few week ago, I needed to change my front brakes and rotors on my wife's 01 4x4 Escape XLT. The pads were no problem, but the rotors were seized on the front hubs. I had to remove the rotors since they wouldn't pass inspection.

I had to "coax" the rotors off with a hammer.

A few weeks later the car started making a LOT of noise. I finally figured out that the front wheel bearings may have been damaged when I removed the rotors.

I've replaced Jeep and Blaxer front beraings before. No big deal. Remove the axle nut, take out 3 rear bolts and the hub is out.

1. With the Escape, you need to remove the knuckle from the strut, tie rod and lower ball joint.

2. Then, you have to somehow press the hub out of the knuckle, press out the old bearing and press in a new bearing and press in a hub.

Since I couldn't do Item 2, I was forced to that the Escape to a dealer. I'm embarassed to tell you how much I had to pay ($500 for both sides).

I will leave my editorial comments out regarding why Ford went with this wheel bearing configuration as it will end up soundng like sour grapes. (In case you're wondering, I'm no professional, but consider myself decent shade-tree-mechanic. I've regeared jeep transfercases, lifted my jeep wrangler approx 6.5", installed locking differentials, changed clutches, ball joints, engine mounts, body mounts, exhausts, headers & can't count the sets of brakes/rotors that I've done)

Consider yourselves warned when you do your next brake job. If your rotors are stuck to the hubs, put everything back together, take the new rotors and pads to the dealer and let them take the responsibility.

Can't wait for the 2005 Grand Cherokee.

 

I love jeeps, JOB SECURITY!!!! Hammer isn't the tool of choice to remove rotors. Use a torch and heat up the rotor.