Wheel Bearing - Press-In Front

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a press-in front wheel bearing on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 and 4WD, requiring hub removal and hydraulic press work.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing × 1 — Timken SET-401 or equivalent
• Axle nut cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake parts cleaner × 1 — Aerosol can
• High-temperature wheel bearing grease × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Loosen but do not remove the front axle nut (36mm) while vehicle is on ground - this requires significant force
4. Raise vehicle and support on jack stands at frame points per manufacturer specifications
5. Remove front wheel completely
6. Clean the working area around the hub, caliper, and steering knuckle with brake cleaner

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two brake caliper mounting bolts and hang the caliper from the suspension using wire or a bungee cord - do not let it hang by the brake hose. Remove the brake rotor by pulling it off the hub. If stuck, use penetrating oil and tap with a dead blow hammer.
2. 2

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the steering knuckle. Disconnect the electrical connector. Remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the knuckle bore. Set aside in a clean location to avoid contamination.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove axle nut and separate CV axle
   Completely remove the 36mm axle nut that was previously loosened. Discard the cotter pin or staked portion as a new one must be used. Mark the CV axle position relative to the hub if needed. Use a brass drift to tap the CV axle shaft back through the hub slightly to break it free from the splines.
   ⚠Do not reuse the old cotter pin or rely on a previously staked nut. New nut or new cotter pin is required for safety.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Separate tie rod end and upper ball joint
   Remove the tie rod end castle nut and use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod from the steering knuckle. Remove the upper ball joint pinch bolt and nut, then separate the upper control arm ball joint from the knuckle using a separator tool. Support the knuckle to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠Ball joint separators can slip and cause injury. Maintain control of tools and wear safety glasses.
5. 5

   Separate lower ball joint and remove knuckle
   Remove the lower ball joint pinch bolt and nut. Separate the lower control arm ball joint from the knuckle. Pull the CV axle shaft completely out of the hub splines. Remove the steering knuckle/hub assembly from the vehicle and place on a clean workbench.
6. 6

   Remove hub mounting bolts
   With the knuckle assembly on the bench, remove the three or four hub mounting bolts from the back of the steering knuckle. These bolts secure the hub to the knuckle. Keep track of bolt locations if they are different lengths.
   Torque spec

   Hub Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Press hub out of bearing
   Using a hydraulic press and appropriate bearing separator tools, press the hub out of the bearing assembly. Support the knuckle on the press bed using a fixture that supports the inner edge of the bearing race only - do not apply pressure to the knuckle casting. Apply steady pressure to push the hub through the bearing. The inner bearing race may remain on the hub.
   ⚠️Ensure the knuckle is supported only at the bearing race, not the knuckle body, to avoid cracking the aluminum casting.
8. 8

   Remove bearing retaining ring and old bearing
   Locate and remove the bearing retaining snap ring from the groove inside the knuckle bore using snap ring pliers. Position the knuckle on the press with the bearing facing down, supported around the outer edge. Use a bearing driver or appropriately sized socket to press the old bearing out of the knuckle from the back side. Ensure the driver contacts the outer bearing race only.
   ⚠The bearing will drop out of the knuckle when fully pressed. Have a container ready to catch it.
9. 9

   Clean and inspect knuckle and hub
   Thoroughly clean the bearing bore in the knuckle using a wire brush and brake cleaner. Inspect the bore for scoring, cracks, or damage. Clean the hub shaft and inspect the bearing contact surface and splines for wear or damage. If the inner race remained on the hub, use a bearing puller to remove it. Clean all surfaces where the new bearing will mate.
10. 10

    Press new bearing into knuckle
    If available, freeze the new bearing for 30-60 minutes to aid installation. Support the knuckle on the press with the front (outer) side up. Position the new bearing squarely in the bore. Use a bearing driver or press tool that contacts only the outer race of the bearing. Press the bearing in steadily until it bottoms against the shoulder in the knuckle bore. Install the bearing retaining snap ring in its groove, ensuring it is fully seated.
    ⚠️Never press on the inner bearing race or bearing rollers when installing - this will destroy the bearing. Use only tools that contact the outer race.
11. 11

    Press hub into new bearing
    Apply a light coat of high-temperature wheel bearing grease to the hub shaft where it contacts the bearing inner race. Position the hub into the bearing from the back of the knuckle. Support the knuckle assembly with the bearing outer race supported. Use the press to push the hub into the bearing, applying pressure only to the inner bearing race using an appropriate driver sleeve that fits around the hub shaft. Press until the hub is fully seated.
    ⚠️Pressure must be applied to the inner bearing race only through a sleeve around the hub shaft. Never press on the hub flange or outer race during hub installation.
12. 12

    Install hub mounting bolts
    Position the knuckle assembly with the hub facing down. Install the hub mounting bolts through the back of the knuckle and thread them into the hub. Torque the hub bolts in a star pattern to specification.
    ℹ️Hub bolts must be tightened in a crossing pattern to ensure even seating and prevent hub distortion.
    Torque spec

    Hub Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall knuckle assembly to vehicle
    Position the knuckle/hub assembly back onto the vehicle, threading the CV axle shaft through the hub splines. Connect the lower ball joint to the knuckle and install the pinch bolt finger-tight. Connect the upper ball joint to the knuckle and install the pinch bolt finger-tight. Reconnect the tie rod end to the steering knuckle and install the castle nut finger-tight. Torque all ball joint and tie rod fasteners per manufacturer specifications.
14. 14

    Install axle nut and ABS sensor
    Install a new axle nut onto the CV axle shaft and torque to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the hole in the axle shaft and bend to secure, or stake the nut collar into the shaft groove per original design. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the ABS sensor body. Install the ABS sensor into the knuckle bore and torque the mounting bolt to specification. Reconnect the ABS sensor electrical connector.
    ⚠Axle nut must be secured with a new cotter pin or properly staked. This is a critical safety fastener.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

    ABS Sensor Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall brake components and wheel
    Install the brake rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats flush. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and install the caliper mounting bolts, torquing to manufacturer specifications. Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground (still supported by jack stands). Torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. 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, particularly the axle nut (250 Nm) which is critical
2. Verify the new cotter pin is installed and properly bent, or the axle nut is properly staked
3. Double-check that the ABS sensor is fully seated and connector is secure

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify the ABS light extinguishes after driving a short distance
• Test drive at low speed (under 15 mph in a safe area) and verify no grinding, humming, or unusual noises from the wheel bearing
• Perform a test drive at normal speeds and verify smooth operation, no vibration, and no ABS warning lights
• Check for any fluid leaks around the CV axle area after test drive
• Verify the wheel rotates freely with no binding when raised off the ground

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