So it sounds like you need new front left bearing. Don't know how dealer gets it up to a grand, bearing should only be about $50, even from Ford. You need puller and press to change properly but most shops will have, Master Mechanic franchise did mine (owner had done a timing chain for me 12+ years ago at another shop).


98 Mystique LS v6 atx 163,000km 97 Contour LX v6 atx 163,000km