Wheel Bearing Hub - Rear

Remove and replace the rear wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost RWD, including ABS sensor removal, caliper service, and hub mounting.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification - Ford BR3Z-1104-A or equivalent
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Non-chlorinated aerosol

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame contact points
4. Remove rear wheel completely
5. Spray penetrating oil on all hub mounting bolts, caliper bracket bolts, and ABS sensor bolt if fasteners appear corroded

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the hub assembly. Disconnect the electrical connector by carefully releasing the locking tab. Remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the hub. Set aside in a clean location to prevent contamination of the sensor tip.
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper and bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts using an 18mm socket. Support the caliper and bracket assembly with a bungee cord or wire to avoid placing stress on the brake hose. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose. Remove the entire caliper and bracket as an assembly.
   ⚠Never let the brake caliper hang unsupported by the brake hose as this can damage the hose internally and cause brake failure.
3. 3

   Remove brake rotor
   Pull the brake rotor straight off the hub studs. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use a rubber mallet to tap around the outer edge and hat section to break it free. Do not strike the rotor face. If a rotor screw is present, remove it first.
4. 4

   Clean hub mounting area
   Use a wire brush to clean the axle flange and backing plate area around the hub mounting surface. Remove all rust, corrosion, and debris. This ensures proper seating of the new hub assembly and accurate torque readings.
5. 5

   Remove wheel bearing hub bolts
   Access the four wheel bearing hub mounting bolts from the rear side of the backing plate. These bolts secure the hub to the axle flange. Use a 15mm socket and breaker bar to remove all four bolts. Note the position of any alignment features or dowel pins.
   ℹ️Hub bolts may be very tight and require significant force to break loose. Ensure jack stands are stable before applying breaking force.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove old wheel bearing hub
   Pull the hub assembly straight off the axle flange studs. If the hub is stuck, use a dead blow hammer to tap evenly around the outer edge to break the corrosion seal. The hub should slide straight off once the bolts are removed. Inspect the axle flange for damage or excessive wear.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting surfaces and prepare new hub
   Thoroughly clean the axle flange mounting surface with brake cleaner and a wire brush. Remove all rust, old thread locker residue, and contamination. Inspect the ABS tone ring on the new hub for damage. Compare the new hub to the old one to verify correct replacement part.
   ℹ️Ensure the new hub has the correct number of studs and ABS tone ring configuration matching the original. Installing an incorrect hub can cause ABS system malfunctions.
8. 8

   Install new wheel bearing hub
   Align the new hub assembly with the axle flange, ensuring any dowel pins or alignment features are properly seated. Slide the hub onto the flange studs. The hub should fit flush against the axle flange without gaps.
9. 9

   Install and torque hub mounting bolts
   Apply medium-strength thread locker to the threads of the four hub mounting bolts as specified. Install all four bolts and hand-tighten. Torque the bolts in a crisscross pattern to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) to ensure even seating of the hub assembly against the axle flange.
   ⚠Use a crisscross tightening pattern to prevent hub distortion. Uneven torque can cause premature bearing failure or noise.
   Torque spec

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

    Install ABS wheel speed sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor mounting hole with brake cleaner. Insert the ABS sensor into the hub and install the mounting bolt. Torque to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft). Reconnect the electrical connector and ensure it clicks fully into place. Route the sensor wire in the original position to avoid interference.
    ⚠Do not force the ABS sensor into the mounting hole. If resistance is felt, remove and inspect for debris or damage.
11. 11

    Reinstall brake rotor
    Clean the hub face with brake cleaner to remove any oil or contamination. Slide the brake rotor onto the hub studs, ensuring it seats completely flat against the hub face. If a rotor retaining screw was present, reinstall it finger-tight.
12. 12

    Reinstall brake caliper and bracket
    Remove the caliper from its support position. Position the caliper bracket over the rotor and align the mounting holes. Apply medium-strength thread locker to the caliper bracket bolt threads as recommended. Install both bracket bolts and torque to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub studs. Thread all lug nuts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the lug nuts to 156 Nm (115 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all tools and parts are removed from the work area
2. Double-check that the ABS sensor connector is fully seated and secured
3. Verify brake pedal feels firm before moving vehicle - pump pedal several times if necessary
4. Torque lug nuts to final specification after vehicle is on the ground

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no unusual noises from the rear wheel bearing
• Verify proper ABS function by confirming the ABS warning light extinguishes after starting the vehicle and driving above 10 mph
• Check for any brake pulsation or unusual feel during braking
• Perform a final visual inspection of the wheel area to ensure all fasteners are installed and torqued
• Re-check lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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