Wheel Bearing Hub - Rear

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (replace if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

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

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   Using a breaker bar and appropriate socket, remove the rear axle nut from the center of the hub assembly. This nut is torqued to 200 Nm and will require significant force. If the axle spins while trying to loosen, have an assistant apply the brake pedal or use a pry bar against the wheel studs.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the rear hub assembly. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove the sensor mounting bolt and carefully pull the sensor out of the hub. Set aside in a clean location to prevent damage.
3. 3

   Remove brake caliper and bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts from the rear of the backing plate using a socket and ratchet. These bolts secure both the caliper and bracket assembly. Remove the entire caliper and bracket assembly together and hang securely using a caliper hanger or wire from the suspension. Do not disconnect the brake hose.
   ⚠Never let the caliper hang by the brake hose. Use a wire or caliper hanger to support it.
4. 4

   Remove brake rotor
   Slide the brake rotor off the hub assembly. If the rotor is seized to the hub, use penetrating oil and tap gently with a dead blow hammer from behind to break it loose. Some rotors may have retaining clips that need to be removed first.
5. 5

   Remove hub assembly mounting bolts
   From the back side of the backing plate (accessible from behind the hub), locate and remove the four hub assembly mounting bolts. These bolts secure the hub to the axle flange. Use a socket and ratchet or breaker bar. Apply penetrating oil if bolts are corroded.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove hub assembly
   Pull the hub assembly off the axle shaft. If the hub is stuck, tap gently around the outer edge with a dead blow hammer while pulling outward. The hub should slide straight off once the bolts are removed. Be careful not to damage the ABS sensor tone ring on the back of the hub.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the axle flange mating surface and the back of the backing plate where the new hub will mount. Remove all rust, dirt, and old thread locker residue from the bolt holes. Ensure surfaces are clean and flat for proper hub seating.
8. 8

   Install new hub assembly
   Align the new hub assembly onto the axle shaft, ensuring the bolt holes line up with the backing plate. Slide the hub fully onto the axle shaft until it seats against the axle flange. The hub should sit flush with no gaps.
9. 9

   Install and torque hub bolts
   Apply medium-strength thread locker to the threads of the four hub mounting bolts. Install all four bolts hand-tight first, then torque in a star pattern to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft). This ensures even seating of the hub assembly.
   ℹ️Apply thread locker as specified to prevent bolts from loosening due to vibration.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install ABS sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor tip with a clean cloth and inspect for damage. Insert the sensor into the hub assembly bore and install the mounting bolt. Torque the bolt to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft). Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks into place.
11. 11

    Install axle nut
    Install the axle nut onto the axle shaft threads. Torque the axle nut to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft). To prevent the axle from spinning during torque, have an assistant apply the brake pedal or use a pry bar against the wheel studs.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall brake rotor
    Slide the brake rotor onto the hub assembly, ensuring it seats fully against the hub face. If equipped with rotor retaining clips, reinstall them now.
13. 13

    Reinstall brake caliper bracket and caliper
    Position the caliper bracket and caliper assembly over the rotor. Apply medium-strength thread locker to the caliper bracket bolts. Install both bolts and torque to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub, starting all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until snug. Lower the vehicle to the ground, then torque the lug nuts to 156 Nm (115 lb-ft) in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Double-check all fasteners are properly torqued to specification
2. Verify ABS sensor connector is fully seated and locked
3. Ensure brake caliper is secure and brake hose is not twisted or kinked
4. Remove wheel chocks from front wheels

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no abnormal noises from the rear wheel bearing
• Apply brakes gently to ensure proper brake function
• Check for ABS warning light on instrument cluster - light should turn off after starting vehicle and remain off during test drive
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Listen for grinding, humming, or growling noises that would indicate improper installation

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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