This procedure covers removal and replacement of the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.5L I4 engine and AWD drivetrain.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut × 1 — Replace if staked or damaged
• Cotter pin or stake nut × 1 — Per torque spec requirement
• Shop towels × 1 — N/A

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Loosen front axle nut while vehicle is on ground using breaker bar and 30mm or 32mm socket (this nut is very tight)
4. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove front wheel on the side being serviced
6. Remove axle nut completely and set aside (replace if staked or damaged)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts using appropriate socket. Support the caliper assembly with wire or bungee cord - do not let it hang by the brake hose. Remove the caliper bracket from the steering knuckle.
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the brake rotor from the hub. If rotor is stuck, use gentle taps with a rubber mallet on the back side. Use rotor retaining screws if present to aid removal.
3. 3

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the steering knuckle. Disconnect the electrical connector. Remove the ABS sensor bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the knuckle. Set aside to prevent damage.
   ⚠The ABS sensor is fragile. Do not pry or force the sensor out. Use penetrating oil if seized.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove tie rod end (if necessary for clearance)
   If access to hub bolts is restricted, remove the tie rod end castle nut and use a tie rod separator tool to disconnect from the steering knuckle. Mark alignment position before removal.
5. 5

   Support the CV axle
   Support the outer CV axle shaft to prevent it from dropping or hanging unsupported. You can push it back through the hub opening slightly once hub is removed, but do not allow full extension or damage to CV joint may occur.
   ⚠Do not hyperextend or allow CV axle to hang freely as this can damage the inner CV joint and boots.
6. 6

   Remove wheel bearing hub mounting bolts
   Access the four wheel bearing hub bolts from the rear of the steering knuckle. These are typically accessed from behind. Remove all four bolts completely. Note bolt locations and condition.
   ℹ️On some models, turning the steering to full lock may improve access to the rear hub bolts.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove wheel bearing hub assembly
   Carefully pull the wheel bearing hub assembly away from the steering knuckle while supporting the CV axle. The hub may require gentle tapping from behind with a brass drift if seized. Remove the hub completely and set aside. Push CV axle back slightly to keep it supported.
8. 8

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface on the steering knuckle using a wire brush. Remove all rust, corrosion, and old threadlocker. Ensure the mating surface is flat and clean. Clean the CV axle splines with a shop towel.
   ℹ️Clean mounting surfaces are critical for proper hub seating and ABS sensor clearance.
9. 9

   Install new wheel bearing hub assembly
   Align the new wheel bearing hub assembly with the CV axle splines and the mounting holes on the knuckle. Guide the CV axle through the hub center bore. Push the hub fully onto the knuckle, ensuring it seats flush against the mounting surface.
10. 10

    Install and torque hub mounting bolts
    Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the threads of the four hub mounting bolts as specified. Install all four bolts finger-tight, then torque in a star pattern to specification. Verify hub is fully seated with no gaps.
    ℹ️Torque in a star/cross pattern to ensure even seating of the hub assembly.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install ABS wheel speed sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor bore in the knuckle if necessary. Apply a thin film of anti-seize or dielectric grease to the sensor O-ring (if equipped). Insert the ABS sensor fully into the bore and install the sensor bolt. Torque to specification and reconnect the electrical connector.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall brake caliper bracket and caliper
    Clean the caliper bracket mounting surfaces on the knuckle. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolt threads as recommended. Install the bracket and torque bolts to specification. Reinstall the brake caliper assembly.
    ⚠Ensure brake caliper slides move freely and brake pads are properly seated before reinstalling wheel.
13. 13

    Install axle nut
    Install a new axle nut onto the CV axle shaft threads. Do not fully torque at this time - snug only. The final torque will be applied with the wheel installed and vehicle on the ground.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the brake rotor. Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but suspension is not fully loaded. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
15. 15

    Final torque axle nut
    With vehicle on ground and brakes applied (or transmission in Park), torque the axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Install new cotter pin through the axle shaft hole or stake the nut as specified for your model year. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    ⚠The axle nut must be properly secured with a new cotter pin or by staking. Do not reuse old cotter pins.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Ensure ABS sensor connector is fully seated and secured
3. Check that CV axle nut is properly staked or cotter pin is installed
4. Verify brake caliper operation before test driving

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noises from wheel bearing area
• Verify ABS warning light does not illuminate (may require short drive for system self-check)
• Check for smooth operation through turns with no binding or grinding
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around CV axle boot area

More procedures for this vehicle