Wheel Bearing Hub - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with RWD configuration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• ABS sensor (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on the ground, but do not remove
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at the frame rails
4. Remove rear wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper assembly
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts using a 15mm socket. These bolts secure both the caliper and bracket to the axle assembly. Remove the entire caliper and bracket as an assembly. Support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord to prevent strain on the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake line.
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   Pull the brake rotor off the hub. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use a rubber mallet to tap it from behind or use the threaded holes (if equipped) to press it off with bolts. On F-150s, the rotor simply slides off once the caliper is removed.
3. 3

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the backing plate or axle housing. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove the sensor mounting bolt using a 10mm socket. Carefully remove the sensor from the hub assembly to prevent damage to the sensor tip. Inspect the sensor for damage or excessive corrosion.
   ⚠ABS sensors are fragile. Do not pry on the sensor body. If seized in place, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak before removal.
4. 4

   Remove hub retaining bolts
   From behind the backing plate, locate the four hub mounting bolts. These are typically 18mm bolts that secure the hub assembly to the axle housing. Remove all four bolts completely. Keep track of any shims or spacers behind the hub if present (though uncommon on this model).
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove wheel bearing hub assembly
   Pull the hub assembly straight off the axle shaft. If the hub is stuck due to corrosion, carefully tap it from behind with a rubber mallet or use a pry bar to work it off evenly. On RWD F-150s, the hub slides over the axle stub shaft. Note the position of the backing plate, which typically remains on the axle housing.
   ⚠Do not damage the backing plate or axle seal during hub removal. Work carefully to avoid bending the backing plate.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the axle housing mounting surface and backing plate area using a wire brush and brake cleaner. Remove all rust, corrosion, and old sealant. Inspect the axle seal for leaks or damage. Clean the ABS sensor mounting hole and ensure it is free of debris. Apply a light coat of anti-seize to the axle stub shaft where the hub slides on.
7. 7

   Install new wheel bearing hub
   Align the new hub assembly over the axle stub shaft and backing plate. Ensure the ABS tone ring (built into the hub) is positioned correctly and the bolt holes align with the axle housing. Push the hub fully onto the shaft until it seats against the backing plate. Verify the hub rotates freely without binding.
8. 8

   Install and torque hub bolts
   Install all four hub mounting bolts by hand from behind the backing plate. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the bolt threads as specified. Tighten the bolts in a star pattern (opposite bolts) to ensure even seating. Torque all four bolts to specification using a torque wrench. Verify the hub still rotates smoothly after tightening.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall ABS sensor
   Apply a thin coat of anti-seize or dialectic grease to the ABS sensor body (not the tip). Insert the sensor into the mounting hole in the hub assembly. Install the sensor mounting bolt and torque to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks into place. Ensure the wiring is properly routed and secured away from rotating components.
10. 10

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
    Slide the brake rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats flush. Clean the rotor surfaces with brake cleaner if new. Position the caliper bracket and caliper assembly over the rotor. Install the two caliper bracket bolts by hand. Apply threadlocker to the bolt threads as recommended. Torque both bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel onto the hub, ensuring it seats properly on the hub face. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern but do not fully tighten. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification and no tools or parts are left in the wheel well
2. Verify brake pedal feels firm before moving vehicle (pump pedal several times if necessary)
3. Check that the ABS sensor connector is fully seated and secured

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or pulling
• Check that ABS warning light is not illuminated on the dashboard
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification
• Listen for any humming, grinding, or growling noises from the rear that would indicate bearing failure or improper installation

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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