Replace the press-in front wheel bearing on a 4WD F-150 by removing the hub assembly, pressing out the old bearing, pressing in a new bearing, and reinstalling the hub.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing (press-in type) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (if staked type) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hub bolts (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Differential cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Loosen front lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
4. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
5. Place drain pan under front differential
6. Clean area around axle nut and hub thoroughly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   If axle nut is staked, use chisel and hammer to unstake the nut collar from the CV axle groove. Apply penetrating oil if needed. Use breaker bar with appropriate socket to remove axle nut. This nut is torqued to 250 Nm and will require significant force to loosen.
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove brake caliper mounting bolts and hang caliper from frame using wire or bungee cord to avoid stressing brake hose. Slide brake rotor off hub. If rotor is stuck, use penetrating oil and light tapping with hammer.
3. 3

   Disconnect ABS sensor
   Locate ABS wheel speed sensor on back of knuckle. Disconnect electrical connector. Remove ABS sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract sensor from knuckle. Set aside to prevent damage.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect outer tie rod end
   Remove outer tie rod end castle nut. Use ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate tie rod end from knuckle. Avoid damaging tie rod boot during separation.
5. 5

   Disconnect upper and lower ball joints
   Remove upper and lower ball joint pinch bolts or castle nuts (depending on configuration). Use ball joint separator to disconnect both ball joints from knuckle. Support control arms as needed to prevent strain on suspension components.
6. 6

   Remove hub and knuckle assembly
   Carefully slide CV axle out of hub splines while removing knuckle assembly from vehicle. If CV axle is stuck in hub, use brass drift to tap axle shaft back. Remove the four hub bolts from back of knuckle to separate hub from knuckle. Mark orientation if hub is directional.
   Torque spec

   Hub Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove bearing snap ring
   Clean knuckle bearing bore thoroughly. Locate and remove internal snap ring or retaining ring that secures bearing in knuckle bore. Use snap ring pliers appropriate for internal rings.
   ⚠Snap ring may be under tension. Wear eye protection during removal.
8. 8

   Press out old bearing
   Position knuckle in hydraulic press with proper support adapters that contact knuckle face only (not bearing). Use press tool that contacts only bearing inner race. Press bearing out of knuckle bore evenly and slowly. If bearing outer race remains in bore, use bearing race puller or slide hammer with appropriate adapter to remove.
   ⚠️Ensure knuckle is properly supported during pressing operation. Improper support can cause knuckle to crack or shatter.
9. 9

   Clean and inspect knuckle bore
   Thoroughly clean bearing bore in knuckle using wire brush and brake cleaner. Inspect bore for scoring, damage, or corrosion. Check that bore is round and not distorted. Any damage requires knuckle replacement. Clean snap ring groove completely.
10. 10

    Press in new bearing
    Apply light coating of anti-seize to outer diameter of new bearing (not bearing bore). Position new bearing squarely in knuckle bore with any markings or seals facing correct direction per bearing manufacturer instructions. Use hydraulic press with bearing installer tool that contacts only bearing outer race. Press bearing in slowly and evenly until fully seated against knuckle shoulder. Do not press on inner race or bearing will be damaged.
    ⚠️Press only on bearing outer race. Pressing on inner race, seal, or cage will destroy the bearing.
11. 11

    Install bearing snap ring
    Install snap ring or retaining ring into groove to secure bearing in knuckle. Ensure snap ring is fully seated in groove around entire circumference. Verify bearing cannot move axially in bore.
12. 12

    Reinstall hub to knuckle
    Clean hub mounting surface and knuckle hub mounting surface. Align hub with knuckle and install four hub bolts from rear of knuckle. Torque hub bolts to specification in crisscross pattern to ensure even seating.
    ⚠Hub bolts must be torqued evenly to prevent hub distortion and bearing damage.
    Torque spec

    Hub Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall knuckle assembly
    Carefully slide CV axle shaft through hub splines while positioning knuckle into vehicle. Reconnect upper and lower ball joints to knuckle and install fasteners. Reconnect outer tie rod end and install castle nut. Install cotter pin or torque to specification per design.
14. 14

    Install ABS sensor and brake components
    Apply small amount of anti-seize to ABS sensor body. Install ABS sensor into knuckle bore and torque mounting bolt to specification. Reconnect ABS sensor electrical connector. Install brake rotor and caliper assembly.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install and torque axle nut
    Install new axle nut onto CV axle shaft. If using cotter pin style, torque to 250 Nm and install new cotter pin. If using staked style, torque to 250 Nm and stake nut collar into CV axle groove using appropriate punch. Ensure nut is properly secured and cannot back off.
    ⚠️Axle nut must be torqued to exact specification and properly secured. Improper torque or staking will result in bearing failure or axle separation.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground to prevent wheel rotation. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Lower vehicle completely and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all suspension fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify ABS sensor connector is fully seated and secured
3. Check that axle nut is properly staked or cotter pin is installed and bent
4. Verify no tools or parts were left in wheel well or suspension area

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no grinding, clicking, or abnormal noises from wheel bearing area
• Verify ABS warning light does not illuminate on dash after test drive
• Perform steering input test to ensure tie rod end is properly connected
• Re-torque lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Check for any vibration or wobble at highway speeds that would indicate improper hub installation

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