This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the automatic locking hub assembly on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Automatic locking hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut cotter pin or locking tab × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hub cover screws (if damaged) × 6 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove front wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove hub cover
   Locate the six T30 Torx screws on the outer face of the locking hub cover. Remove all six screws and carefully pry off the hub cover to expose the axle nut and internal hub mechanism. Set the cover and screws aside in a clean area.
2. 2

   Remove axle nut
   Remove the cotter pin from the axle nut or un-stake the nut if it was previously staked. Use a 36mm or 1-7/16 inch socket with a breaker bar to remove the axle nut. This nut is torqued to 250 Nm and will require significant force. Discard the cotter pin or plan to re-stake.
3. 3

   Separate CV joint from axle shaft
   Mark the orientation of the CV joint flange to the axle shaft with a paint pen or scribe for proper reassembly alignment. Remove the six CV bolts using a 15mm socket. Support the CV axle shaft to prevent it from hanging. Carefully pull the CV joint away from the axle shaft splines.
   ⚠Support the halfshaft to prevent damage to the inner CV joint once disconnected from the hub.
   Torque spec

   CV Bolts70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove locking hub assembly
   The locking hub assembly should now pull straight off the spindle. If the hub is stuck, use a hub puller or carefully tap around the back edge with a brass punch and hammer. Do not pry against the spindle threads or damage the mounting surface. Remove the hub completely and inspect the spindle for damage or excessive wear.
5. 5

   Clean and inspect mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the spindle splines, mounting face, and threads. Inspect for any cracks, excessive wear, or damage to the splines. Check the CV axle shaft splines for damage as well. Clean the hub mounting surface on the knuckle thoroughly to ensure proper seating of the new hub.
6. 6

   Install new locking hub assembly
   Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the spindle splines (avoid getting any on the mounting face). Align the new locking hub assembly with the spindle and slide it onto the splines until it seats fully against the knuckle. Ensure the hub is fully seated and rotates freely without binding.
7. 7

   Reconnect CV joint to axle shaft
   Align the CV joint flange with the axle shaft using the orientation marks made during disassembly. Insert all six CV bolts and hand-tighten them in a star pattern to draw the joint evenly onto the shaft. Torque the CV bolts to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even clamping force.
   Torque spec

   CV Bolts70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install and torque axle nut
   Install a new axle nut onto the spindle threads. Torque the axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). Install a new cotter pin through the spindle hole and bend the ends to secure, or stake the nut properly using a punch if the spindle uses a staking design. Verify the nut is fully secured and cannot rotate.
   ⚠️Never reuse a cotter pin or fail to properly secure the axle nut. Failure can result in wheel separation while driving.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install hub cover
   Clean the hub cover and inspect the gasket or sealing surface. Position the hub cover over the locking hub assembly and install all six T30 Torx screws. Tighten the screws in a star pattern to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft) to ensure even pressure and proper sealing.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel onto the hub and hand-tighten all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but still allows the wheel to be prevented from rotating. Torque the lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification in the proper sequence
2. Verify the axle nut is properly secured with a new cotter pin or properly staked
3. Confirm the hub cover is fully seated and all screws are tight

Verification

• Rotate the wheel by hand to verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noise
• Test the 4WD engagement by selecting 4H and driving in a straight line, listening for proper hub engagement (slight click)
• Verify no vibration or abnormal sounds during a test drive in both 2WD and 4WD modes
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around the hub assembly after test drive
• Re-check lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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