This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a press-in front wheel bearing on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost V6, requiring hub disassembly and hydraulic press work.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hub seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut × 1 — One-time use, replace if staked
• Cotter pin (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Non-chlorinated recommended

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground, but do not remove
3. Loosen the 36mm axle nut while vehicle is on ground with brakes applied (this nut is very tight)
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove front wheel completely
6. Mark the position of suspension components for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut and ABS sensor
   With the wheel removed, completely remove the 36mm axle nut that was loosened earlier. Remove the ABS sensor bolt and carefully extract the ABS sensor from the steering knuckle, noting the routing of the wiring harness. Clean the sensor tip and mounting area.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the brake caliper mounting bolts and support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord to avoid stressing the brake hose. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake line. Remove the brake rotor by pulling it off the hub. If stuck, use penetrating oil and a rubber mallet on the rotor hat.
3. 3

   Separate lower ball joint and tie rod
   Remove the cotter pin and castellated nut from the tie rod end. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Remove the lower ball joint pinch bolt and separate the lower control arm from the knuckle. Support the knuckle assembly to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠Ball joint separators can slip suddenly. Keep hands clear of pinch points.
4. 4

   Remove hub assembly from knuckle
   With the knuckle assembly now free, remove the hub mounting bolts from the back of the knuckle. There are typically 4 bolts securing the hub to the knuckle. Carefully separate the hub assembly from the knuckle. If stuck, tap evenly around the hub with a soft mallet. Remove the backing plate if present.
   Torque spec

   Hub Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove bearing snap ring and old bearing
   With the hub removed from the vehicle, locate and remove the bearing retaining snap ring from the hub bore using snap ring pliers. The bearing is pressed into the hub assembly. Note the orientation of the bearing and seal before removal.
6. 6

   Press out old wheel bearing
   Using a hydraulic press and appropriate bearing driver adapters, press the old wheel bearing out of the hub assembly. Support the hub on the press bed with the bearing facing down. Apply pressure evenly to the inner race only, not the outer housing. Press slowly and steadily until the bearing is completely removed.
   ⚠️Always wear safety glasses when using a hydraulic press. Bearings and races can fragment under pressure.
   ⚠Support the hub properly on the press to avoid distortion. Press only on the bearing races, never the hub flange.
7. 7

   Clean hub bore and inspect
   Thoroughly clean the hub bearing bore with brake cleaner and a wire brush. Remove all old grease, rust, and debris. Inspect the bore for scoring, cracks, or damage. Check that the snap ring groove is clean and undamaged. If the hub bore shows significant wear or damage, the hub must be replaced.
8. 8

   Press in new wheel bearing
   Place the new wheel bearing in the freezer for 30 minutes before installation to aid in press fit. Position the new bearing squarely in the hub bore with the correct orientation (sealed side typically faces outward). Using the hydraulic press and a bearing driver that contacts only the outer race, press the bearing evenly into the hub until it is fully seated against the hub shoulder. Apply steady, even pressure.
   ⚠Press only on the outer bearing race during installation. Pressing on the inner race or rolling elements will destroy the bearing.
   ℹ️The bearing should press in smoothly. If excessive force is required, stop and verify correct bearing part number and hub bore condition.
9. 9

   Install bearing snap ring and seal
   Once the bearing is fully seated, install the bearing retaining snap ring in its groove, ensuring it is completely seated around the entire circumference. Install the new hub seal using a seal driver, tapping evenly around the seal until it is flush with the hub face. Apply a light coating of fresh grease to the seal lip.
10. 10

    Reinstall hub assembly to knuckle
    Clean the knuckle mounting surface thoroughly. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the hub pilot diameter. Position the hub assembly into the steering knuckle, ensuring proper alignment. Install the hub mounting bolts and torque them to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Hub Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect suspension and steering components
    Reconnect the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle and install the pinch bolt. Reconnect the tie rod end to the steering knuckle and install the castellated nut, torquing to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the tie rod castellated nut. Ensure all fasteners are properly seated.
12. 12

    Install ABS sensor and brake components
    Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the ABS sensor tip and reinstall it into the knuckle bore. Torque the ABS sensor bolt to specification. Install the brake rotor onto the hub. Reinstall the brake caliper and torque the caliper mounting bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install axle nut and wheel
    Install a new axle nut onto the axle shaft. Do not fully torque yet. Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent hub rotation.
14. 14

    Torque axle nut and lug nuts to specification
    With the wheel on the ground and parking brake applied, torque the axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). If the axle uses a staked nut design, stake the nut collar into the axle groove using a punch. If using a castellated nut, install a new cotter pin. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    ⚠Ensure the vehicle is stable during final axle nut torquing. This fastener requires significant torque and can cause the vehicle to move if not properly secured.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Ensure the ABS sensor wiring is properly routed and secured away from rotating components
3. Verify that all suspension and steering connections are properly seated and secured
4. Double-check that the axle nut is properly staked or cotter pinned per manufacturer requirements

Verification

• Lower the vehicle completely and bounce each corner to settle the suspension
• With the vehicle on the ground, verify there is no excessive play in the wheel bearing by attempting to rock the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock positions
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for any abnormal noises from the wheel bearing area
• Verify that the ABS warning light does not illuminate and that the ABS sensor is functioning properly
• Check for smooth steering operation without binding or unusual resistance
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

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