Wheel Bearing Hub - Front

Replace the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including removal of the brake caliper, rotor, ABS sensor, and axle nut to access and swap the hub.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Copper or nickel based

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts approximately one turn while vehicle is on the ground
3. Loosen (but do not remove) the 36mm front axle nut while vehicle is on the ground with someone applying the brakes or using a pry bar to prevent rotation
4. Raise the front of the vehicle with a floor jack and support securely on jack stands at the manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove the front wheel completely
6. Ensure the vehicle is stable and will not shift during the procedure

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Axle Nut Cotter Pin
   Locate the cotter pin securing the front axle nut. Use needle nose pliers and a punch to straighten the ends of the cotter pin, then pull it out and discard it. Do not reuse the old cotter pin.
2. 2

   Remove Front Axle Nut
   Using a 36mm socket and breaker bar, remove the front axle nut completely. Since it was already loosened while the vehicle was on the ground, it should come off easily. Set the nut aside (it can typically be reused if not damaged).
   ℹ️If the axle nut was not loosened before raising the vehicle, you may need to have an assistant apply the brakes or wedge a pry bar to prevent the hub from spinning.
3. 3

   Remove ABS Wheel Speed Sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor mounted to the steering knuckle near the hub assembly. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab and pulling apart. Remove the single bolt securing the sensor to the knuckle using the appropriate socket. Carefully pull the sensor out of the knuckle bore and set aside. Inspect the sensor tip for damage or excessive buildup.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove Brake Caliper
   Remove the two brake caliper bracket bolts from the back of the caliper bracket using the appropriate socket. These bolts pass through the caliper bracket into the steering knuckle. Once removed, lift the caliper and bracket assembly off the rotor as one unit. Support the caliper assembly with a wire or bungee cord attached to the suspension or chassis. Do not let it hang by the brake hose.
   ⚠These bolts are torqued to 120 Nm and may require significant force to break loose. Ensure you are using the correct size socket to avoid rounding the bolt heads.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove Brake Rotor
   Slide the brake rotor off the wheel hub studs. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use a rubber mallet or dead blow hammer to tap around the hat section of the rotor to break it loose. On some rotors, there may be threaded holes to install bolts for pushing the rotor off the hub.
6. 6

   Remove Hub Mounting Bolts
   From the back side of the steering knuckle, locate the 4 bolts securing the wheel bearing hub assembly to the knuckle. These bolts are accessed from behind the knuckle. Remove all 4 bolts using the appropriate socket. Note their position and length for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Separate Hub from Knuckle
   With all mounting bolts removed, pull the hub assembly off the knuckle. The hub may be tight due to corrosion or press fit. If necessary, use a brass drift and hammer to tap evenly around the back of the hub flange to drive it out. Be careful not to damage the mounting surfaces or ABS tone ring. Once separated, remove the hub completely from the knuckle.haft splines.
   ⚠Do not strike the CV axle threads directly with a steel hammer as this will damage them. Use a brass drift or protect the threads.
8. 8

   Clean Mounting Surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the mounting surface on the steering knuckle where the hub seats. Remove all rust, corrosion, and old debris using a wire brush or abrasive pad. Inspect the knuckle bore and mounting surface for damage, cracks, or excessive wear.
9. 9

   Prepare New Hub Assembly
   Unpack the new wheel bearing hub assembly. Inspect it for any shipping damage. Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the outer pilot diameter of the hub where it contacts the knuckle bore to prevent corrosion and aid future disassembly. Do not apply anti-seize to the bolt holes or bolt threads.
10. 10

    Install New Hub Assembly
    Position the new hub assembly in the steering knuckle bore, ensuring it seats fully against the knuckle mounting surface. Rotate the hub slightly if needed to align the bolt holes in the hub flange with the threaded holes in the knuckle.
    ℹ️The hub must be fully seated in the knuckle bore before installing the mounting bolts. Check that there are no gaps between the hub flange and knuckle face.
11. 11

    Install Hub Mounting Bolts
    From the back side of the knuckle, install all 4 hub mounting bolts. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the bolt threads if specified by the replacement hub manufacturer. Start all 4 bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench, tighten the bolts in a cross pattern to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft).
    ⚠Use a cross pattern when torquing to ensure even clamping force and proper hub seating. Torque in two stages if preferred: first to 55 Nm, then final torque to 110 Nm.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall Brake Rotor
    Slide the brake rotor back onto the wheel hub studs. Ensure the rotor is seated flat against the hub face with no debris trapped between them. If the rotor has directional cooling vanes, ensure it is installed in the correct orientation for the side of the vehicle.
13. 13

    Reinstall Brake Caliper
    Remove the wire or bungee cord supporting the caliper assembly. Position the caliper and bracket assembly over the rotor and align the mounting holes with the threaded holes in the steering knuckle. Install the two caliper bracket bolts and hand-tighten them. Using a torque wrench, tighten both bolts to 120 Nm (88 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Caliper Bracket Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall ABS Wheel Speed Sensor
    Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the ABS sensor body (not the tip) to prevent corrosion and aid future removal. Insert the sensor into the bore in the steering knuckle, ensuring it seats fully. Install the sensor mounting bolt and tighten to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as this can damage the sensor or mounting boss. Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks into place.
    ⚠The ABS sensor bolt requires only 10 Nm. Overtightening can crack the sensor body or strip the aluminum knuckle threads.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install and Torque Axle Nut
    Thread the 36mm axle nut onto the CV axle shaft by hand as far as possible. Using a torque wrench and 36mm socket, tighten the axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). This is a critical fastener and must be torqued accurately. Once torqued, install a new cotter pin through the hole in the axle shaft and through the castellated portion of the nut. Bend the ends of the cotter pin over to secure it in place.
    ⚠️This is a critical safety fastener. Proper torque and cotter pin installation are essential to prevent wheel detachment. Always use a calibrated torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reinstall Wheel and Lower Vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel onto the hub, aligning the holes with the studs. Install all lug nuts and hand-tighten them in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but the weight is still on the jack stands. Using a torque wrench, torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands. Perform a final torque check on the lug nuts with the vehicle on the ground.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Ensure the new cotter pin is properly installed and bent to secure the axle nut
3. Verify the ABS sensor connector is fully seated and locked
4. Check that the brake caliper is not in contact with the wheel and moves freely with the suspension

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light extinguishes after a few seconds of driving
• Perform a slow-speed test drive in a safe area and listen for any unusual noises from the front wheel bearing area
• Check for excessive play in the wheel by grasping it at 12 and 6 o'clock positions and attempting to rock it—there should be no perceptible movement
• Verify smooth braking with no pulsation or noise
• Inspect the wheel area for any signs of fluid leaks or loose components
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check the lug nut torque

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