This procedure covers removal and replacement of the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD, including removal of the brake caliper, rotor, and CV axle nut.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut × 1 — Use new OEM nut
• Cotter pin or stake nut (if applicable) × 1 — Match axle nut style

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. With vehicle still on ground, use breaker bar and 36mm socket to break loose the axle nut (it will be very tight)
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame contact points
6. Remove front wheel completely
7. Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the steering knuckle. Remove the 10mm bolt securing the sensor and carefully pull the sensor out of the hub. Move the sensor and wiring harness out of the work area to prevent damage.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper and bracket
   Remove the two 18mm caliper bracket bolts from the back of the steering knuckle. Remove the caliper and bracket as an assembly. Support the caliper assembly with wire or a zip tie to the suspension or frame. Do not let it hang by the brake hose.
   ⚠Support caliper weight to prevent brake hose damage
3. 3

   Remove brake rotor
   Pull the brake rotor straight off the hub studs. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use a rubber mallet to tap around the edge of the rotor hat to break it free. Some rotors have threaded holes for bolts to press the rotor off.
4. 4

   Remove axle nut completely
   Remove the 36mm axle nut completely from the CV axle shaft. If equipped with a cotter pin, remove and discard it first. The nut should already be loosened from preparation steps. Discard the old axle nut as it must not be reused.
   ℹ️Mark the relationship between the CV axle and hub with a paint pen before removal for easier reassembly alignment
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove wheel bearing hub mounting bolts
   Access the rear of the steering knuckle and locate the three or four hub mounting bolts (typically 13mm or 15mm). Remove all hub mounting bolts completely. These bolts go through the back of the knuckle into the hub assembly.
   ℹ️Hub bolts may be accessed from behind the knuckle. Full steering lock may be needed for access.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Separate hub from CV axle and knuckle
   With all fasteners removed, pull the hub assembly forward off the CV axle splines. You may need to tap the end of the CV axle with a brass punch or use a pry bar behind the hub to separate it from the knuckle. If stuck, use a hub puller or carefully tap around the back of the hub with a hammer.
   ⚠Do not damage the CV axle splines or boot during hub removal. Use a soft mallet if tapping is needed.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface on the steering knuckle, removing all rust, dirt, and debris. Clean the CV axle splines with a wire brush. Inspect the CV axle boot for damage and replace if torn. Check the knuckle bore for scoring or damage.
8. 8

   Install new wheel bearing hub
   Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the CV axle splines (avoiding the boot area). Align the new hub assembly with the CV axle splines and the bolt holes in the knuckle. Push the hub onto the CV axle and against the knuckle mounting surface. Ensure the hub is fully seated.
   ℹ️Verify ABS sensor tone ring is properly positioned and undamaged on new hub
9. 9

   Install and torque hub mounting bolts
   Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the hub mounting bolt threads if specified by the hub manufacturer. Insert all hub mounting bolts through the back of the knuckle and thread them into the hub. Torque the hub mounting bolts to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
   ⚠Torque in star pattern to ensure even hub seating against knuckle
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new axle nut
    Install the new 36mm axle nut onto the CV axle shaft. Torque the axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). If the nut type requires staking, use a punch and hammer to stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove. If cotter pin type, install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
    ⚠️Axle nut must be torqued to specification. Under-torquing can cause wheel separation.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall brake rotor
    Slide the brake rotor onto the hub studs. If the rotor has a retaining screw hole, a small screw can be used to hold it in place temporarily (not required for final assembly). Ensure the rotor sits flush against the hub face.
12. 12

    Reinstall brake caliper bracket and caliper
    Position the caliper bracket over the rotor and align with the mounting holes on the knuckle. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolt threads. Install both 18mm caliper bracket bolts and torque to 120 Nm (88 lb-ft).
    ⚠Verify brake pads are properly seated in caliper bracket before final torque
13. 13

    Reinstall ABS wheel speed sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor tip with a clean cloth. Insert the sensor into the hub bore and align the mounting hole. Install the 10mm sensor mounting bolt and torque to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft). Ensure the sensor wiring is properly routed and secured with any retaining clips.
    ⚠Do not over-torque the ABS sensor bolt as the sensor housing can crack
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel onto the hub and install all lug nuts finger-tight. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (weight not fully on tire). Torque the lug nuts to 156 Nm (115 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that the axle nut is properly torqued and secured with a new cotter pin or staked
2. Verify all fasteners have been installed and torqued to specification
3. Ensure ABS sensor wiring is secured and not in contact with any rotating components
4. Check that brake caliper operates freely and pads are properly positioned

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light goes off after initial self-test (within a few seconds)
• Pump the brake pedal several times to ensure firm pedal feel before moving vehicle
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area and verify no grinding, humming, or vibration from the wheel bearing
• Perform several low-speed brake applications to verify proper brake function
• After test drive, re-check axle nut torque and all fasteners for proper tightness
• Listen for abnormal noises during turns which could indicate improper hub installation
• Verify no ABS warning lights illuminate during or after test drive

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