Wheel Bearing - Press-In Front

Replace the front wheel bearing by removing the steering knuckle assembly, pressing out the old bearing and hub, installing the new bearing, and reassembling all components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering knuckle seal (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hub mounting hardware (if reuse not recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Castle nut for outer tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-recommended lift points
4. Remove front wheel completely
5. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the 2 brake caliper mounting bolts securing the fixed Brembo caliper to the steering knuckle. Verify the exact caliper mounting arrangement against the factory service manual for this platform. Lift the caliper off the rotor and suspend it from the suspension using a wire or bungee cord to avoid stressing the brake hose. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake line. Remove the rotor by pulling it straight off the hub. If the rotor is stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap it loose from the hub face.
2. 2

   Disconnect outer tie rod end
   Remove the cotter pin from the outer tie rod end castle nut. Loosen but do not fully remove the castle nut. Use a pickle fork or ball joint separator to break the taper between the tie rod stud and steering knuckle. Once the taper is broken, remove the castle nut completely and separate the tie rod end from the knuckle. Note: The castle nut should be replaced with a new one during reassembly.
3. 3

   Disconnect lower ball joint
   Remove the nut securing the lower ball joint stud to the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint separator to break the tapered stud loose, then separate the lower control arm from the knuckle by prying downward on the control arm while supporting the knuckle. Verify the exact fastener type against the factory service manual for this platform.
4. 4

   Disconnect upper ball joint
   Remove the fastener securing the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle. Support the knuckle assembly as you separate it from the upper control arm. The knuckle assembly is now free from the vehicle and can be removed completely along with the hub and bearing.
5. 5

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
   Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor electrical connector if not already done. Remove the mounting bolt securing the sensor to the steering knuckle. Carefully extract the sensor from its bore in the knuckle. Clean the sensor bore with brake cleaner and inspect for damage.
6. 6

   Remove hub mounting fasteners
   With the knuckle assembly on a workbench, verify how the hub/bearing is retained. On a press-in bearing design the bearing outer race presses directly into the knuckle bore and there is no bolted hub flange. If hub retaining fasteners are present, note their count and location along with any shims or spacers, and confirm against the factory service manual.
7. 7

   Press hub out of bearing
   Using a hydraulic press and appropriate adapters, press the hub out of the bearing inner race. Support the knuckle on the press bed with the hub facing upward. Apply even pressure to the hub shaft, not the wheel studs. The hub will separate from the bearing, leaving the inner race on the hub shaft and the outer race in the knuckle bore. If the inner race remains stuck on the hub, use a bearing splitter and press to remove it.
8. 8

   Remove bearing outer race from knuckle
   Inspect the knuckle bore for the bearing retaining clip or snap ring. If present, remove it using snap ring pliers. Using the hydraulic press and a bearing race driver or appropriate adapter, press the old bearing outer race out of the knuckle bore. Support the knuckle with the bearing bore facing downward and apply pressure evenly around the outer race. Clean the knuckle bore thoroughly with brake cleaner and a wire brush.
9. 9

   Inspect knuckle and hub
   Inspect the knuckle bearing bore for cracks, scoring, or damage. Check that the bore is clean and free of debris. Inspect the hub shaft for wear, scoring, or damage where the bearing inner race seats. Check all wheel studs for damage. Replace any damaged components before proceeding.
10. 10

    Install new bearing into knuckle
    Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the outer diameter of the new bearing (outer race only, not on seals). Position the new bearing in the knuckle bore with the correct orientation (seal facing outboard if equipped). Using the hydraulic press and a bearing race driver that contacts only the outer race, press the bearing squarely into the bore until it seats fully against the shoulder or snap ring groove. Install the retaining snap ring if equipped, ensuring it is fully seated in its groove.
11. 11

    Press hub into new bearing
    Position the knuckle assembly with the bearing facing upward. Align the hub shaft with the bearing inner race. Using the hydraulic press and an adapter that contacts the inner race only (not the bearing seals or cage), press the hub into the bearing until the hub flange seats against the bearing inner race. Apply steady, even pressure and ensure the hub remains centered during pressing. Do not press on the outer race or housing.
12. 12

    Install hub mounting hardware
    Apply thread locker to the 4 hub mounting bolts. Install the bolts through the hub flange and into the back of the steering knuckle, reinstalling any shims or spacers in their original positions. If hub mounting bolts are present, tighten them in a cross/star pattern to the factory-specified torque. These bolts (if present) are critical fasteners and must be torqued to the factory specification listed in the 2008 Viper service manual. Do not use an estimated value.
13. 13

    Reinstall ABS wheel speed sensor
    Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the ABS sensor body (not the tip). Insert the sensor into the knuckle bore and install the mounting bolt. Reconnect the electrical connector and ensure the wiring is routed properly and secured with any retaining clips.
14. 14

    Reinstall steering knuckle assembly
    Position the steering knuckle assembly back into the suspension. Connect the upper ball joint to the knuckle and install the fastener, tightening to specification. Connect the lower ball joint to the knuckle and install the fastener, tightening to specification. Connect the outer tie rod end to the knuckle, install a new castle nut, tighten to specification, and install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and stud.
15. 15

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
    Clean the hub face with brake cleaner. Install the brake rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats fully. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and install the 2 caliper mounting bolts. Tighten the caliper bolts to specification. Pump the brake pedal several times to restore brake pad contact with the rotor before moving the vehicle.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the wheel and snug the lug nuts while the vehicle is still on jack stands
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern
3. Check brake pedal feel before moving the vehicle
4. Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noises or vibrations from the front wheel bearing
5. Schedule a front-end alignment as suspension components have been disconnected

Verification

• Spin the wheel by hand to verify smooth rotation with no roughness or binding
• Check for any play in the wheel bearing by grasping the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock and attempting to rock it
• Test drive the vehicle and listen for any humming, grinding, or growling noises from the front wheel area
• Verify ABS system operates correctly with no warning lights
• Confirm brake operation is normal with firm pedal feel

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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