Wheel Bearing Hub - Front

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent quality
• Cotter pin (if applicable) or new axle nut × 1 — Check if nut is staked or pinned type
• Brake caliper bracket bolt thread locker × 1 — Medium strength (blue)

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Loosen the front axle nut while vehicle is on ground (use breaker bar or impact wrench)
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed on frame rails
6. Remove front wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut and ABS sensor
   If the axle nut is staked, use a chisel or punch to unstake it from the CV shaft groove. Remove and discard the axle nut completely. Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the steering knuckle and remove the single mounting bolt. Carefully pull the sensor out of the hub and secure it out of the way with a zip tie or wire to prevent damage.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove brake caliper and bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts from the back of the steering knuckle using a 18mm socket. Remove the entire caliper and bracket assembly as one unit. Support the caliper assembly on a suspension component or wire it to the frame to prevent stress on the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake line.
   ⚠Caliper bracket bolts may have factory thread locker and require significant force to remove.
3. 3

   Remove brake rotor
   Pull the brake rotor straight off the hub studs. If the rotor is seized to the hub, use a rubber mallet to tap around the rotor hat section. If rotor is severely stuck, thread two wheel lug nuts on opposite studs and tighten evenly to push the rotor off the hub face.
4. 4

   Separate tie rod end
   Locate the outer tie rod end castle nut on the steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin and loosen (but do not remove completely) the tie rod castle nut. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end from the knuckle. Once separated, remove the castle nut completely and swing the tie rod end out of the way.
   ⚠Using a pickle fork will likely damage the tie rod boot. Have replacement parts available if using this method.
5. 5

   Remove hub mounting bolts from knuckle
   Access the three hub mounting bolts from the back side of the steering knuckle. These bolts pass through the knuckle and thread into the back of the hub assembly. Use a 15mm socket and breaker bar to remove all three bolts completely. Keep track of these bolts as they may have different thread locker specifications than replacement hardware.
   ℹ️These bolts may be very tight due to factory thread locker and corrosion.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove hub assembly from knuckle
   With all mounting bolts removed, the hub should pull out of the knuckle from the front. You may need to tap the CV axle shaft from behind with a dead blow hammer to break the hub free from the axle splines. Use a pry bar between the hub and knuckle if needed, being careful not to damage the knuckle mounting surface. Once loose, pull the hub straight off the CV axle shaft while supporting it to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠The hub assembly is heavy. Support it while removing to prevent injury or damage to CV axle threads.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface on the steering knuckle. Remove all rust, dirt, and old thread locker from the bolt holes. Inspect the CV axle shaft splines and threads for damage, wear, or corrosion. Check the knuckle for cracks or damage. Clean the CV axle splines with brake cleaner and a wire brush.
8. 8

   Install new hub assembly
   Align the new hub assembly with the CV axle splines and carefully slide it onto the axle shaft. Push the hub firmly into place in the steering knuckle, ensuring it seats completely flush against the knuckle face. The hub may require light tapping with a dead blow hammer to fully seat. Verify the bolt holes in the hub align with the holes in the knuckle.
9. 9

   Install hub mounting bolts
   Apply medium-strength thread locker to the threads of the three hub mounting bolts if specified by the replacement hub manufacturer. Insert all three bolts from the rear of the knuckle and thread them into the hub assembly by hand. Once all bolts are started, tighten them in a star pattern to the specified torque using a torque wrench.
   ℹ️Follow a star or crossing pattern when tightening to ensure even hub seating and prevent binding.
   Torque spec

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

    Reinstall ABS sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor bore in the hub with brake cleaner if needed. Insert the ABS wheel speed sensor into the hub bore and align the mounting hole. Install the sensor mounting bolt and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect tie rod end
    Position the outer tie rod end back into the steering knuckle taper. Install the castle nut and tighten to the manufacturer specification (typically 41 lb-ft but verify separately). Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and tie rod stud. If the cotter pin holes do not align, tighten the nut slightly more until they do - never loosen to align.
12. 12

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
    Slide the brake rotor onto the hub studs. Position the caliper bracket and caliper assembly over the rotor. Apply medium-strength thread locker to the caliper bracket bolt threads. Install both caliper bracket bolts and torque to specification in a crossing pattern.
13. 13

    Install and torque axle nut
    Install a new axle nut onto the CV axle shaft threads and hand-tighten. Use a torque wrench to tighten the axle nut to the specified torque. If using a staked-type nut, use a chisel or staking tool to stake the nut collar into the CV shaft groove at the specified location. If using a cotter pin-type nut, install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
    ⚠The axle nut must be properly secured with either staking or a cotter pin to prevent loosening during operation.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern until the wheel is snug but not fully torqued. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. After completing the procedure, pump the brake pedal several times to ensure proper caliper piston positioning before moving the vehicle
2. Verify that the axle nut is properly secured with either a staked collar or new cotter pin installed
3. Check that the ABS sensor wire is properly routed and secured away from rotating components

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or pulling during acceleration, braking, and turning
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque the wheel lug nuts to specification
• Verify proper ABS operation by confirming the ABS warning light extinguishes after starting the vehicle
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around the brake caliper and ensure the brake pedal feels firm with no excessive travel
• Listen for any grinding, humming, or bearing noise from the replaced hub during normal driving

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