This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the automatic locking hub assembly on the front axle of a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler with 3.6L V6 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Automatic locking hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM Mopar specification
• Axle shaft nut (NEW - do not reuse) × 1 — Mopar 6508446AA or equivalent
• Hub cover screws (if damaged) × 6 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Shift transfer case to 2WD mode
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove wheel and tire assembly
6. Place drain pan beneath hub area to catch any escaping differential fluid

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove hub cover screws
   Locate the six cover screws on the face of the hub assembly. Using a socket or screwdriver, remove all six screws and carefully pull the outer cover off the hub assembly. Set cover and screws aside.
2. 2

   Remove axle shaft nut
   Using a breaker bar and appropriate socket, remove the large axle shaft nut from the end of the axle shaft. This nut is torqued to 207 lb-ft and will require significant force. The nut has a staked collar that must be straightened before removal. Discard this nut - a new one must be used during reassembly.
   ⚠Ensure the vehicle is securely supported. The force required to break this nut loose can cause the vehicle to shift if not properly supported.
3. 3

   Remove hub assembly mounting bolts
   Locate the mounting bolts that secure the hub assembly to the steering knuckle. There are typically 3-4 bolts accessible from behind the hub. Remove these bolts completely and set aside.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove hub assembly from axle shaft
   With all fasteners removed, carefully pull the hub assembly straight off the axle shaft splines. The assembly may be tight on the splines - use light taps with a plastic mallet or gentle prying if needed. Once separated, withdraw the assembly from the knuckle. Be prepared for a small amount of gear oil to drain from the axle tube.
5. 5

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush and shop rags to clean the axle shaft splines, the hub mounting surface on the knuckle, and the area around the axle tube opening. Remove any old grease, dirt, or corrosion. Inspect the axle shaft splines for damage or excessive wear.
6. 6

   Install new hub assembly
   Align the new hub assembly with the axle shaft splines and carefully slide it onto the shaft. Ensure the splines are properly engaged and the assembly is fully seated against the knuckle mounting surface. The hub should slide on smoothly without forcing.
   ⚠Do not force the hub onto the splines. Misalignment can damage the splines on both the shaft and hub.
7. 7

   Install hub mounting bolts
   Install the hub assembly mounting bolts through the knuckle from behind. Thread all bolts in by hand first to ensure proper alignment, then torque to specification in a cross pattern.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install new axle shaft nut
   Thread the NEW axle shaft nut onto the end of the axle shaft by hand. Using a torque wrench, tighten the nut to the specified torque. After torquing, use a hammer and punch to stake the collar of the nut into the groove on the axle shaft to prevent loosening.
   ⚠️A new axle nut MUST be used. Never reuse the old nut. Failure to properly torque and stake this nut can result in wheel separation while driving.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut281 Nm (207 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install hub cover
   Position the hub cover over the hub assembly, aligning the screw holes. Install all six cover screws and tighten to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Check and top off differential fluid
    Check the front differential fluid level through the fill plug. If fluid was lost during the procedure, top off with Mopar 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant until it reaches the bottom of the fill hole. Reinstall fill plug.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel and tire assembly back onto the hub. Thread all lug nuts on by hand, then tighten in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire contacts the ground but is not fully loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify the axle nut collar is properly staked into the axle shaft groove
3. Double-check that wheel lug nuts are properly torqued after lowering vehicle
4. Confirm no differential fluid is leaking from the hub assembly area

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle in both 2WD and 4WD modes to verify proper hub engagement
• Listen for any unusual noises from the hub area during driving
• After the first 50-100 miles, re-check wheel lug nut torque
• Inspect for any signs of differential fluid leakage around the hub assembly
• In 4WD mode, verify both front wheels are receiving power during low-speed turns

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