This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut cotter pin or locking tab × 1 — Verify locking method for your specific year

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on the ground
3. Loosen axle nut while vehicle is on the ground using breaker bar - this nut requires significant force
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame contact points
5. Remove wheel completely
6. Spray all fasteners with penetrating lubricant and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper assembly
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts using appropriate socket. Support the entire caliper and bracket assembly using a caliper hanger or secure wire attached to the suspension or frame. Do not let it hang by the brake hose.
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the brake rotor by pulling it straight off the hub. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use a rubber mallet to tap around the hat section of the rotor. Some rotors may have threaded holes for puller bolts if severely stuck.
3. 3

   Disconnect ABS sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back side of the steering knuckle. Remove the ABS sensor bolt and carefully pull the sensor out of the hub assembly. Move the sensor and wiring aside to prevent damage during hub removal.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove axle nut completely
   Fully remove the axle nut that was previously loosened. If your model uses a cotter pin, remove and discard it first. If staked, use a chisel to unstake the nut collar. The nut should come off easily now that it was broken loose earlier. Keep track of any washers behind the nut.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Separate tie rod end from knuckle
   Remove the tie rod end castle nut and remove the cotter pin. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Strike the separator firmly with a hammer until the taper releases. This will provide clearance to access hub bolts and remove the assembly.
6. 6

   Access hub mounting bolts
   From the back side of the steering knuckle, locate the three or four hub mounting bolts (varies by model year). These are accessible from behind the knuckle. Clean around the bolt heads with a wire brush and apply penetrating lubricant.
7. 7

   Remove wheel bearing hub assembly
   Remove all hub mounting bolts from the back of the steering knuckle. Once all bolts are removed, pull the hub assembly straight out from the knuckle. You may need to use a pry bar or tap the axle shaft from behind with a brass punch to break the hub free. The hub, bearing, and ABS reluctor ring come out as one complete assembly.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface on the steering knuckle using a wire brush and clean rag. Remove all rust, corrosion, and old debris. The mating surface must be completely clean and flat to ensure proper bearing alignment and prevent premature failure. Also clean the axle splines.
9. 9

   Install new wheel bearing hub
   Align the new hub assembly with the axle shaft splines and slide it onto the shaft. Push the hub flush against the steering knuckle mounting surface. If specified by the service manual, apply threadlocker to the hub mounting bolt threads. Install all hub bolts from the back side and tighten in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
   Torque spec

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

    Install axle nut
    Install the axle nut and washer (if equipped) onto the axle shaft. Tighten to specification. If your model uses a cotter pin, install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and axle shaft, then bend the ends to secure. If staked type, use a punch to stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove.
    ⚠Never reuse the old cotter pin or rely on a previously staked nut. Always use new locking hardware.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall ABS sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor tip and bore in the hub with a clean rag. Insert the ABS sensor into the hub assembly and install the mounting bolt. Torque to specification. Ensure the wiring is properly routed and secured to prevent contact with rotating or hot components.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect tie rod end
    Insert the tie rod end taper into the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification per the steering linkage procedure. Install a new cotter pin and bend to secure. Verify the tie rod end is fully seated in the taper.
13. 13

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
    Slide the brake rotor onto the hub. If the rotor has alignment screw holes, you may install temporary screws to hold it in place. Position the caliper bracket and caliper assembly over the rotor. Apply threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolts if recommended. Install and torque the bracket bolts to specification.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub and start all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but not fully torqued. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but still supports most weight on the jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all fasteners have been installed and properly torqued
2. Verify the axle nut locking mechanism (cotter pin or stake) is properly secured
3. Ensure ABS sensor wiring is properly routed and secured away from rotating components
4. Pump brake pedal several times to verify proper brake operation before moving vehicle

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and listen for any abnormal noises from the wheel bearing area
• Verify no grinding, humming, or growling noises that would indicate improper installation
• Check that ABS warning light is not illuminated on the instrument cluster
• Verify steering operates smoothly with no binding after tie rod reconnection
• After test drive, re-check lug nut torque and verify axle nut locking mechanism is still secure
• Road test at highway speed if initial test is successful and verify smooth operation

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