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 4WD with 5.0L Coyote V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Axle nut (replace if deformed) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock the front wheels to prevent rolling
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on the ground
4. Loosen the rear axle nut 1/2 turn while vehicle is on the ground (this nut is very tight)
5. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support securely on jack stands at the frame rails
6. Remove the rear wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts using an 18mm socket. Remove the entire caliper and bracket assembly as one unit. Support the caliper using a wire hanger or caliper hook to avoid stressing the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake line. Remove the brake rotor by pulling it straight off the hub. If stuck, use penetrating oil and light taps with a dead blow hammer.
2. 2

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the rear hub assembly. Remove the 10mm bolt securing the sensor. Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the hub to avoid damaging the sensor tip. Secure the sensor and wiring away from the work area.
3. 3

   Remove axle nut completely
   Using a 30mm or 1-3/16" socket, remove the axle nut completely from the axle shaft. The nut should already be loosened from preparation. Set aside and inspect for deformation or damage; replace if necessary.
4. 4

   Access hub mounting bolts from inside axle housing
   The wheel bearing hub is secured from behind by four bolts accessible through the axle flange. You will need to rotate the axle shaft to access each bolt through the access holes in the axle flange. Use a 13mm socket to locate all four hub mounting bolts.
5. 5

   Remove hub mounting bolts
   Remove all four hub mounting bolts using a 13mm socket. You may need to rotate the axle shaft by hand to access each bolt through the opening. Keep track of the bolts as they will be reused if in good condition.
6. 6

   Remove old wheel bearing hub assembly
   With all bolts removed, pull the hub assembly straight off the axle shaft. The hub slides over the axle shaft splines. If stuck, apply penetrating oil around the hub perimeter and use a brass drift or dead blow hammer to tap evenly around the back of the hub. Do not damage the axle shaft threads or splines during removal.
   ⚠The hub assembly can be heavy and may come off suddenly. Support it while removing the last bolt.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the axle shaft splines, the mounting surface on the axle housing where the hub seats, and the area around the bolt holes. Remove all rust, debris, and old threadlocker. Apply a light coat of anti-seize to the axle shaft splines if desired.
8. 8

   Install new wheel bearing hub assembly
   Align the new hub assembly with the axle shaft splines and slide it onto the shaft. Ensure the hub is fully seated against the axle housing mounting surface and the bolt holes are properly aligned. Rotate the hub slightly if needed to engage the splines correctly.
9. 9

   Install and torque hub mounting bolts
   Apply blue threadlocker to the threads of all four hub mounting bolts. Install all four bolts through the access holes in the axle flange, rotating the axle as needed. Tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even seating. Torque all four bolts to specification in multiple passes using a crisscross sequence.
   Torque spec

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

    Install axle nut
    Place the axle nut (new or inspected original) onto the axle shaft threads. Thread it on by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque the axle nut to specification. This is a critical fastener for proper bearing preload.
    ℹ️The axle nut controls bearing preload. Proper torque is critical for bearing life and safe operation.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall ABS sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor tip and mounting hole with a lint-free cloth. Apply a small amount of anti-seize to the sensor body (not the tip). Insert the sensor into the hub bore and press it in until fully seated. Install and torque the sensor mounting bolt to specification.
12. 12

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
    Slide the brake rotor onto the hub. Clean the caliper bracket bolt threads and apply blue threadlocker as specified. Position the caliper and bracket assembly over the rotor. Install both caliper bracket bolts and torque to specification in an alternating pattern.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub and thread all lug nuts by hand. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern but do not fully torque yet. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all torque specifications have been met, particularly the critical fasteners: axle nut, hub bolts, caliper bracket bolts, and lug nuts
2. Verify the ABS sensor wire is properly routed and secured away from rotating components
3. Double-check that threadlocker was applied to caliper bracket bolts and hub mounting bolts as specified

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or pulling during braking
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque the wheel lug nuts to specification
• Verify the ABS warning light does not illuminate on the dashboard, indicating proper ABS sensor function
• Check for any play in the wheel bearing by attempting to rock the tire while raised on a jack - there should be no perceptible movement

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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