Have a 99 Explorer XLT 4 wheel drive. The front left bearing has gone out. I have found that you can't replace just the bearings, you have to do the whole front assembly. Anyone know about that?

Also, how hard is it to change it out? Firestone (Why I took it there, I don't know) wanted $424 to replace it. $330 for the part and then only $91 labor. I know they are marking that part way up, but I was going to attempt this myself but I wanted to see if anyone here had done one and how involved it really was. I am hesitant with it being front wheel drive and all.

Thanks!

330? ouch. the bearing and hub are all one assembly and have to be replaced. 330 sounds really steep check out www.fordpartsnetwork.com as far as changing it yourself it's not to bad i did both of mine 2 weeks ago. the hardest part is getting the spindle nut off. it's torqued too 200 ft/lbs and it can be a pita to get off but a 1 1/8" (i think) socket and a good breaker bar are all you need to get that off. other than that it's pretty easy to do yourself. get your self a chiltons manual if you dont already have one and that will walk you right through it.