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 the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (one-time use recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on the ground
3. Loosen but do not remove the rear axle nut while vehicle is on the ground with parking brake applied
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on all fasteners and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if working on older or corroded components

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove the brake caliper
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the brake caliper and bracket assembly to the axle housing. Use a breaker bar if necessary as these bolts are torqued to 100 Nm. Once removed, support the caliper assembly with a wire hanger or bungee cord to prevent stress on the brake hose. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake line.
   ⚠Never allow the brake caliper to hang unsupported by the brake hose as this can cause internal hose damage.
2. 2

   Remove the brake rotor
   If the rotor is retained by clips, remove them. Pull the brake rotor off the hub assembly. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use a rubber mallet to tap around the rotor face evenly, or thread bolts into the threaded holes (if present) to press the rotor off the hub.
3. 3

   Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the axle housing near the hub assembly. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove the single ABS sensor bolt and carefully extract the sensor from its mounting hole. Keep the sensor clean and protected from debris.
4. 4

   Remove the axle nut
   Completely remove the rear axle nut that was previously loosened during preparation. This nut should have been loosened while the vehicle was on the ground. Once removed, set aside and replace with a new nut during reassembly as these are typically one-time use.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove the wheel bearing hub bolts
   Access the wheel bearing hub mounting bolts from behind the axle flange. There are typically four bolts securing the hub assembly to the axle housing. Remove all four bolts completely. These bolts pass through the axle flange and thread into the hub assembly.
   ℹ️Keep track of bolt orientation and any washers or spacers present during removal.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove the hub assembly
   With all fasteners removed, pull the wheel bearing hub assembly off the axle shaft. The hub should slide straight off. If stuck, use a plastic mallet to tap evenly around the backside of the hub assembly. Do not pry against the axle seal area. Once free, slide the assembly off the axle shaft completely.
   ⚠Avoid damaging the axle shaft surface or axle seal during hub removal.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the axle housing mounting surface where the hub seats. Remove all rust, corrosion, and old thread locker residue from the bolt holes. Clean the axle shaft splines with a wire brush. Inspect the axle seal for damage or leaks; if damaged, the seal should be replaced before installing the new hub.
8. 8

   Install the new hub assembly
   Slide the new wheel bearing hub assembly onto the axle shaft, ensuring the splines engage properly. Push the hub fully onto the axle shaft until it seats flush against the axle housing mounting surface. Ensure the hub is aligned properly with the bolt holes.
9. 9

   Install and torque the hub bolts
   Apply medium-strength thread locker to the threads of the four wheel bearing hub bolts if specified by the manufacturer. Insert all four bolts through the axle flange and thread them into the hub assembly. Tighten in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. Torque all four bolts to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) in a cross pattern.
   ℹ️Use a cross pattern when torquing to ensure even hub seating and prevent warping.
   Torque spec

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

    Install the new axle nut
    Thread the new axle nut onto the axle shaft by hand as far as possible. Do not fully torque at this time. The axle nut will be torqued to final specification after the vehicle is lowered to the ground.
11. 11

    Reinstall the ABS sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor tip and mounting hole if needed. Insert the ABS wheel speed sensor into its mounting hole in the axle housing. Install and torque the sensor bolt to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft). Reconnect the electrical connector ensuring it clicks into place securely.
12. 12

    Reinstall the brake rotor
    Slide the brake rotor onto the wheel bearing hub studs. If rotor retention clips were present, reinstall them. Ensure the rotor sits flat against the hub mounting surface.
13. 13

    Reinstall the brake caliper
    Remove the caliper from its support wire or hanger. Position the caliper bracket over the rotor and align with the mounting holes on the axle housing. Apply thread locker to the caliper bracket bolt threads as recommended. Install both caliper bracket bolts and torque to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but the suspension is not loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 156 Nm (115 lb-ft) in a star pattern. With the parking brake applied and vehicle on the ground, torque the axle nut to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft). Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification in the correct sequence
2. Verify the ABS sensor connector is fully seated and locked
3. Check that the brake caliper is properly secured and brake hose is not kinked or twisted

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noises from the rear wheel bearing area
• Verify ABS system functions properly with no warning lights on the dashboard
• Perform a brake test to ensure proper brake function
• Re-check axle nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving
• Listen for any grinding, humming, or abnormal sounds that could indicate improper installation

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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