2002 Ford Escape Grinding noise a mystery.

Noises problem
2002 Ford Escape Four Wheel Drive Automatic 48,000 miles

Hi:

I am hoping you can offer me some advice. First off, I want to say I love my car. I do not use it that often, mostly drive locally to shop and take it on short trips a few times a year. It has served me well over the last few years and was bought new in 2002. I have always taken excellent care of my car getting it checked regularly, fluids changed, inspected, cleaned, etc. Having said that, I understand parts wear and eventually break down.

Last year, my local Ford dealership that has serviced my car from the beginning and had been in my neighborhood for as long as I can remember closed down. I had to find an alternative place for servicing, so I went to my parents mechanics who they have been using for years. I started hearing a grinding noise every time I accelerated on an incline. The noise lasted for a few seconds and then subsided. I brought the car in to the mechanics to have it checked out. The first thing they said was that I needed to replace my breaks from front to back of my car and replace my exhaust system (parts, labor, tax added to $1,323.51). The car sounds louder than it did and I still have the grinding noise. I brought the car back and this time they said I had to change the bearing on my front two tires ($820.36). I still have the grinding noise, my car sounds louder than ever. He question I have is this, are you familiar with a grinding noise that occurs on an incline? Would you bring the car back to this mechanic to make good on an issue they have yet to resolve? If not, how do you know who to trust?