2003 Escape bearings
 

I did a search but i just wanted to clarify that the front hub bearings have to get pressed out and new ones pressed in. and the bearings can be replaced without having to replace the flange with the wheel studs right? anyone have pics?

you are correct, they have to be pressed off and on and the whole spindle must be removed to do the work. no special tools needed except a press

and boy is it a pain!

doing the fronts are a piece of cake compared to the rear, i would do 10 fronts to have to ever do another rear.....

This is why I remove the spindle, take it and a new bearing to the local shop. They charge me 20 bucks to take out the old, and put in the new! Worth every penny.

Swineheart hasn't been online since Feb, so I'll ask the rest of yall.

What was it that led to the need to replace the front bearings? I figure it was noise, if so what did it sound like? Or was it vibration, steering issues or tire wear?

Thanx.

My wife started to hear a noise that sounded like a low rumble/growl when she would slightly turn the wheel. for example while going straight and heading towards a gradual rt. curve , when she would turn the wheel to the right the drivers side front wheel would make a growling noise kinda like the noise the brakes would make with worn pads.