Wheel Bearing Hub - Front

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine and rear-wheel drive configuration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM or quality aftermarket bearing hub
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Aerosol brake parts cleaner

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts approximately one turn while vehicle is still on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-recommended jacking points
4. Remove wheel and tire assembly completely
5. Spray penetrating oil on ABS sensor bolt and wheel bearing hub bolts, allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if fasteners show corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper assembly
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts from behind the spindle using a socket and breaker bar. These bolts are typically very tight. Once removed, carefully lift the caliper and bracket assembly off the rotor. Support the caliper assembly using a wire or caliper hanger from the suspension or frame. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose.
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   Pull the brake rotor straight off the hub. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use a rubber mallet to tap around the rotor face (avoiding the friction surface) or use the rotor's threaded holes if equipped to press it off with bolts. On this generation F-150, the rotor typically slides off once the caliper is removed.
3. 3

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor connector near the wheel well or strut tower. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove the single sensor mounting bolt from the back of the steering knuckle using a socket. Carefully extract the sensor from the hub assembly, being careful not to damage the sensor tip or allow metal debris to stick to the magnetic tip.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove wheel bearing hub mounting bolts
   Access the three wheel bearing hub mounting bolts from the rear of the steering knuckle. These bolts pass through from the back side and secure the hub to the knuckle. Use a socket and breaker bar to remove all three bolts completely. Keep track of any washers or spacers. These bolts are typically very tight and may require significant force to break loose.
   ⚠Ensure socket is fully seated on bolt head. These bolts are high-torque and can easily round off if tools slip.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove wheel bearing hub assembly
   With all mounting bolts removed, pull the hub assembly straight out from the front of the steering knuckle. The hub may be tight in the knuckle bore due to the press-fit and corrosion. If stuck, gently tap the outer edge of the hub flange with a rubber mallet while pulling outward. Do not strike the wheel studs. Once free, remove the hub completely and set aside.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface inside the steering knuckle bore using a wire brush and brake cleaner. Remove all rust, corrosion, dirt, and old sealant. Clean the back surface of the knuckle where the hub bolts seat. Ensure the bore is clean and smooth to allow proper seating of the new hub assembly. Clean the ABS sensor bore as well.
7. 7

   Install new wheel bearing hub
   Apply a thin coating of anti-seize compound to the outer diameter of the new hub where it seats in the knuckle bore (do not apply to the bearing seal area). Insert the new hub assembly into the knuckle from the front, ensuring it is fully seated and flush. The hub should slide in with light hand pressure and sit square in the bore. Verify the bolt holes are properly aligned.
8. 8

   Install hub mounting bolts
   Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the threads of the three wheel bearing hub mounting bolts. Insert the bolts from the rear of the knuckle and hand-tighten them. Using a cross-pattern, progressively tighten the bolts in stages to ensure even seating of the hub. Final torque all three bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall ABS wheel speed sensor
   Clean the ABS sensor tip with a clean cloth to remove any metal particles or debris. Apply a small amount of anti-seize to the sensor body (not the tip). Insert the sensor into the hub assembly bore and hand-start the mounting bolt. Torque the sensor mounting bolt to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector, ensuring it clicks securely into place.
   ⚠Do not over-torque the ABS sensor bolt. This is a small bolt that can be easily stripped.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall brake rotor
    Clean the hub face and the rotor mounting surface with brake cleaner to remove any oil or anti-seize that may have transferred. Slide the brake rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats flat against the hub face. If the rotor has directional vanes, verify correct orientation per rotor markings.
11. 11

    Reinstall brake caliper assembly
    Position the caliper bracket and caliper assembly over the rotor. Apply fresh medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolt threads. Install both caliper bracket bolts and hand-tighten. Torque both bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel onto the hub studs and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all fasteners have been reinstalled and properly torqued
2. Verify ABS sensor connector is securely connected
3. Ensure brake caliper is properly mounted and brake hose is not kinked or twisted
4. Pump brake pedal several times to ensure proper brake feel before moving vehicle

Verification

• Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speed, listening for any unusual noises from the wheel bearing area
• Verify no grinding, humming, or clicking noises are present from the new hub assembly
• Check for proper brake operation and pedal feel
• Verify ABS warning light is not illuminated on instrument cluster
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification and verify no play in wheel bearing by attempting to rock the wheel with hands at 12 and 6 o'clock positions while vehicle is raised

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