2003 Mountainer Rear Wheel Bearing

[msimonov]

I have exeperienced what I thought was tire noise for some time. Replaced tires and the noise stayed. Just had it diagnosed as both rear wheel bearing by the tire place - $881 to fix.

2 questions

This sounds like a lot for wheel bearings. Part quote alone is over $300. Does this sound quote sound right?

The shop manual says this is a job that is best left to a professional garage due to special tools required. Is this the case?

[asemstr]

The bearings are actually factory assembled, lubed, and preloaded assemblies that incorporate the hub flange, bearing, carrier houseing, ABS trigger and sensor. So its not hard to believe they cost a arm, leg, first born... to purchase them! Just be glad your not haveing to buy front bearing units for a F250/350 SD! About $400 each! :22yikes:

[gdbrown]

I had the same problem on my 99 Exp XLT. I had extended warranty coverage and they covered all but the deductable at 69,000 miles. My neighbor is a machanic at the Ford Dealer where I took it and he confirmed that it takes special tool and know how to do the job right. They had to pull both read axles and take the guts out of the diff to fix it. Have them replace ALL the bearings and seals while they are in there. The labor cost is the same for one or ALL. It takes them about 4 hours to do the job.