Replace the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost RWD. This procedure involves removing the brake caliper, rotor, and hub assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Aerosol

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame contact points
4. Remove wheel and tire assembly completely
5. Verify you have the correct replacement hub assembly for your specific model year

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the steering knuckle. Remove the sensor mounting bolt and carefully pull the sensor out of the hub bore. Route the wiring connector away from the work area and secure it to prevent damage.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts from the rear of the caliper assembly using a socket and ratchet. The caliper and bracket will come off as a complete assembly. Support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord attached to the suspension or frame to prevent stress on the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake line.
   ⚠Caliper bracket bolts are high-torque fasteners and may require a breaker bar for removal.
3. 3

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the brake rotor from the hub assembly. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use a rubber mallet to tap it loose or thread bolts into the rotor's threaded holes (if equipped) to press it off. Clean any rust or debris from the hub face with a wire brush.
4. 4

   Access hub mounting bolts
   Turn the steering wheel to gain better access to the rear of the hub assembly. The hub is mounted from the back side of the steering knuckle. You may need to work through the wheel well opening to access all mounting bolts.
5. 5

   Remove wheel bearing hub assembly
   Locate and remove the three or four hub mounting bolts from the backside of the steering knuckle. These bolts thread into the hub assembly from behind the knuckle. Once all bolts are removed, pull the hub assembly straight out from the front of the knuckle. If the hub is stuck, use a pry bar carefully against the hub flange or use a hub puller tool.
   ⚠Hub may be tight in the knuckle bore due to corrosion. Avoid damaging the knuckle bore surface when removing.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Prepare knuckle bore
   Clean the hub bore in the steering knuckle thoroughly with brake cleaner and a wire brush. Remove all rust, corrosion, and debris. Inspect the bore for damage or excessive wear. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the knuckle bore to prevent future corrosion and ease future removal.
7. 7

   Install new hub assembly
   Verify the new hub assembly matches the original and includes the integral ABS tone ring. Insert the new hub assembly into the steering knuckle bore from the front, ensuring it seats fully and squarely. The bolt holes should align with the holes in the back of the knuckle.
8. 8

   Install and torque hub bolts
   Apply medium-strength thread locker to the threads of the new hub mounting bolts if specified by the manufacturer. Insert the bolts from the backside of the knuckle and thread them into the hub assembly. Tighten the bolts in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating. Torque all hub mounting bolts to specification.
   ℹ️Tighten bolts in a cross-pattern to prevent hub from cocking in the bore.
   Torque spec

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

   Reinstall ABS sensor
   Clean the ABS sensor tip with brake cleaner and inspect for damage. Insert the sensor into the bore in the hub assembly, ensuring it seats completely. Install and torque the sensor mounting bolt to specification. Ensure the wiring is routed properly and secured with any original clips.
   Torque spec

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

    Reinstall brake rotor
    Clean the hub face and rotor mounting surface with brake cleaner. Install the brake rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats flat against the hub face. If equipped with rotor set screws, install them finger-tight (these are only for assembly purposes).
11. 11

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove the caliper from its support wire or bungee cord. Position the caliper and bracket assembly over the rotor. Apply medium-strength thread locker to the caliper bracket bolt threads as recommended. Install both caliper bracket bolts and torque to specification in a cross-pattern.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and tire assembly onto the hub. Thread all lug nuts on by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern with a hand wrench. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but most weight is still on the jack stands. 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 thread locker was applied where indicated
2. Verify ABS sensor wiring is properly routed and secured away from rotating components
3. Check that brake caliper is securely mounted and brake hose has no kinks or stress

Verification

• Start the engine and pump the brake pedal several times to ensure proper brake feel before moving the vehicle
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no unusual noises from the wheel bearing area
• Perform several moderate brake applications to verify proper brake function
• Check for ABS warning lights on the instrument cluster - they should not be illuminated after a short drive
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Listen for any grinding, humming, or abnormal noises from the front wheel bearing during normal driving

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