Hi, I can't give any advice on front wheel bearings specifically, but I do have a problem with rear wheel bearings on my 2000 W Focus which sounds very similar. The original NSR bearings lasted 69,000 miles, however since then, they have been replaced at 86k, 92k, 94k and 104k (just last week). OSRs are on their 3rd set since new (72k, 92k).

My local garage has been fitting them for free since the 2nd replacement and Ford have been providing the garage with the parts free of charge and without argument. Note that as the bearings are coming direct from Ford, I am assuming they are the new modified version that don't let in water (early ones had a dodgy seal)..

The fact that both your bearings and mine are being changed repeatedly under warranty suggests to me that Ford is aware of this problem - even with the revised bearing design - but don't want to admit to it. Quite what we can do about the problem (aside from re-machining the hubs to take heavy duty bearings from a truck or something) I do not know.

If anyone else has anything else to say about the problems you and I are experiencing I'd love to hear about it.

Regards

John H, Oxfordshire