Wheel Bearing - Press-In Rear

This procedure covers the removal and press-in replacement of the rear wheel bearing on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including hub removal and bearing installation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut × 1 — Use new nut each time
• Cotter pin or stake washer × 1 — Match axle nut type
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Aerosol can

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise and support vehicle securely on jack stands at manufacturer jacking points
5. Remove rear wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
   Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor electrical connector. Remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt and carefully pull the sensor straight out of the hub assembly. Store the sensor where it will not be damaged.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove axle nut
   Have an assistant apply the brake pedal or use a pry bar to prevent the hub from rotating. Remove and discard the cotter pin or unstake the axle nut. Use a breaker bar to remove the axle nut completely. This nut must not be reused.
   ⚠The axle nut is torqued to 250 Nm and will require significant force to remove. Ensure the tool is properly seated to avoid rounding the nut.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect brake caliper
   Remove the brake caliper mounting bolts and carefully hang the caliper assembly from the suspension using a bungee cord or wire. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose. Remove the brake rotor from the hub.
   ⚠Never let the brake caliper hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose internally.
4. 4

   Separate CV joint from hub
   If the vehicle has independent rear suspension, mark the position of the CV joint to the hub flange. Remove the CV joint bolts connecting the halfshaft to the hub. Push the CV shaft inward and support it to prevent damage to the boot.
   Torque spec

   CV Joint Bolts71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove hub mounting bolts
   Access the hub mounting bolts from the rear of the knuckle. Remove all hub bolts securing the hub assembly to the knuckle. The hub and bearing assembly will need to be separated from the knuckle.
   Torque spec

   Hub Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Extract hub assembly
   Carefully remove the hub assembly from the knuckle. If the hub is stuck, tap gently with a soft-faced hammer or use a puller. Inspect the knuckle bore for damage, corrosion, or scoring. Clean the bore thoroughly with a wire brush and brake cleaner.
   ⚠Do not use excessive force or strike the hub directly with a steel hammer as this can damage the knuckle or bearing surfaces.
7. 7

   Press out old bearing
   Place the hub assembly in a hydraulic press with proper support under the hub body. Use a bearing driver sized to contact only the outer bearing race. Press the old bearing out of the hub housing. Inspect the bearing bore in the hub for any damage or burrs.
   ⚠️Wear safety glasses during pressing operations. The bearing may release suddenly under pressure.
   ⚠Support the hub only at the outer edges, never on the bearing surface or inner hub face. Incorrect support will damage the hub.
8. 8

   Prepare bearing bore
   Clean the bearing bore in the hub thoroughly with brake cleaner and a clean lint-free cloth. Inspect for any nicks, burrs, or damage. Remove any minor imperfections with fine emery cloth. The bore must be completely clean and smooth for proper bearing installation.
9. 9

   Press in new bearing
   Position the new bearing in the hub bore with the correct orientation (sealed side typically faces outward). Place the hub in the press with proper support. Use a bearing installation driver that contacts only the outer race of the bearing. Press the bearing in squarely until it seats fully against the hub shoulder. Verify the bearing is fully seated and rotates smoothly by hand.
   ⚠️Only apply press force to the outer bearing race. Pressing on the inner race or balls will destroy the bearing immediately.
   ⚠The bearing must be pressed in squarely. Any cocking or misalignment will damage both the bearing and hub.
10. 10

    Install hub assembly to knuckle
    Clean the knuckle mounting surface with brake cleaner. Position the hub assembly with the new bearing into the knuckle. Install the hub mounting bolts and torque in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect CV joint
    Align the CV joint to the hub flange using the marks made during disassembly. Install the CV joint bolts and torque to specification in a crossing pattern to ensure even clamping.
    Torque spec

    CV Joint Bolts71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install brake components
    Install the brake rotor onto the hub. Reinstall the brake caliper and torque the caliper mounting bolts per specification. Ensure all brake components are properly seated and secured.
13. 13

    Install new axle nut
    Install the new axle nut onto the axle shaft. Have an assistant apply the brake or use a pry bar to prevent rotation. Torque the axle nut to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the axle hole and bend the ends, or stake the nut collar into the axle groove per manufacturer design.
    ⚠Ensure the cotter pin is properly installed or the nut is properly staked. An improperly secured axle nut can back off and cause wheel separation.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall ABS sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor bore in the hub with brake cleaner. Insert the ABS sensor carefully until fully seated. Install the sensor mounting bolt and torque to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All fasteners must be torqued to specification in the order listed
2. The axle nut must be replaced with a new nut and properly secured each time
3. Verify ABS sensor connector is fully seated and locked
4. Ensure brake caliper bolts are properly torqued and caliper moves freely

Verification

• Rotate the wheel by hand to verify smooth rotation with no binding or grinding noises
• Check for any lateral or radial play in the hub by grasping the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock and attempting to rock it
• Verify the axle nut is properly torqued and secured with cotter pin or staked
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no vibration, noise, or ABS warning lights
• After 50-100 miles, re-check wheel lug nut torque

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