Wheel Bearing Hub - Rear

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (single-use) × 1 — 52710-D3100 or equivalent
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Aerosol can

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Loosen (but do not remove) the rear axle nut using a 32mm socket and breaker bar while vehicle is still on ground
5. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands placed on frame rails
6. Remove rear wheel completely
7. Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper assembly
   Use a C-clamp or brake caliper tool to compress the caliper piston slightly to relieve tension. Remove the two caliper bracket bolts using a 17mm socket. Support the caliper assembly with a wire or bungee cord to avoid stressing the brake hose. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake line.
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the brake rotor from the hub. If the rotor is stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap it gently from behind to break it loose. If the rotor has threaded holes, use bolts to press it off evenly. Clean any rust or debris from the rotor mounting surface on the hub.
3. 3

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor connector near the shock tower or frame rail. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt using a 12mm socket. Carefully pull the sensor straight out of the hub to avoid damage. Set aside in a clean location.
4. 4

   Remove axle nut completely
   Finish removing the rear axle nut that was loosened during preparation. Use a 32mm socket. Discard this nut as it is single-use and must be replaced with a new one during reassembly.
   ⚠The axle nut must be replaced with a new one. Never reuse this component.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Separate axle shaft from hub
   Push the axle shaft inward through the hub bore to disengage the splines. If the shaft is stuck, use a plastic or brass drift to tap it gently from the outer end. Do not strike the threads. The shaft should push back approximately 1-2 inches into the differential housing.
6. 6

   Remove hub mounting bolts
   Access the four hub mounting bolts from behind the hub assembly (knuckle side). These bolts are typically 19mm and are located on the rear face of the steering knuckle. Use a socket and breaker bar to remove all four bolts. Note the position of each bolt as some may have different lengths.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove wheel bearing hub assembly
   Pull the hub assembly straight out from the steering knuckle. If the hub is stuck, use a pry bar or gentle taps with a rubber mallet on alternating sides to work it free. Be careful not to damage the knuckle surface or the dust shield behind the hub.
8. 8

   Clean and inspect mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush and brake cleaner to thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface on the steering knuckle. Remove all rust, corrosion, and old debris. Inspect the knuckle for cracks or damage. Clean the axle shaft splines with brake cleaner. Inspect the dust shield for damage and straighten if necessary.
   ℹ️A clean, smooth mounting surface is critical for proper hub seating and preventing premature bearing failure.
9. 9

   Install new wheel bearing hub assembly
   Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the knuckle mounting surface (avoid getting any on bolt holes). Align the new hub assembly with the mounting holes and the axle shaft splines. Push the hub onto the axle shaft while aligning it to the knuckle. Hand-thread all four hub mounting bolts to ensure proper alignment before tightening.
10. 10

    Torque hub mounting bolts
    Apply medium-strength thread locker to the threads of each hub mounting bolt. Torque the four hub bolts in a cross pattern to 102.0 Nm (75 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Verify that the hub is seated flush against the knuckle with no gaps.
    ⚠Apply thread locker as specified and torque in a cross pattern to ensure even seating and prevent bolt loosening.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install new axle nut
    Clean the axle shaft threads thoroughly. Install a NEW axle nut (do not reuse the old one) and hand-thread it onto the axle shaft. Use a 32mm socket to snug the nut, but do not torque it yet. Final torque will be applied with the vehicle on the ground.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall ABS wheel speed sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor tip and the sensor bore in the hub with brake cleaner. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the sensor O-ring if equipped. Insert the sensor straight into the hub bore until it seats completely. Install the sensor mounting bolt and torque to 11.0 Nm (8 lb-ft). Reconnect the electrical connector ensuring it clicks into place.
13. 13

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
    Clean the hub face and rotor mounting surface with brake cleaner. Install the brake rotor onto the hub. Position the caliper bracket over the rotor. Apply medium-strength thread locker to the caliper bracket bolt threads. Install and torque the caliper bracket bolts to 100.0 Nm (74 lb-ft) in a cross pattern.
    ⚠Thread locker is recommended on caliper bracket bolts to prevent loosening.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and hand-thread all lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern with a wrench but do not torque yet. Carefully lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 136.0 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
15. 15

    Final torque axle nut
    Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Apply the parking brake firmly. Using a 32mm socket and torque wrench, torque the new axle nut to 200.0 Nm (148 lb-ft). If the axle nut has a stake or cotter pin provision, stake or secure it according to manufacturer specifications.
    ⚠️Axle nut must be torqued with vehicle on the ground and parking brake applied to prevent hub rotation and ensure accurate torque.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners have been torqued to specification in the correct sequence
2. Verify the ABS sensor connector is fully seated and locked
3. Check that the brake caliper is secure and brake hose is not twisted or kinked
4. Pump the brake pedal several times to restore brake pad contact with the rotor before moving the vehicle

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or grinding from the rear wheel area
• Verify the ABS warning light does not illuminate on the dashboard (may require driving above 12 mph for system check)
• After the first 50-100 miles, re-torque the wheel lug nuts to specification
• Listen for any humming, grinding, or growling noises that could indicate improper hub installation
• Verify smooth brake operation with no pulsation or pulling to one side

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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