This procedure covers removal and replacement of a press-in style front wheel bearing on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK with the 3.6L V6 engine, requiring bearing press or hydraulic tools.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing assembly (press-in type) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle hub nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wheel bearing grease × 1 — High-temperature bearing grease
• Outer bearing seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Non-chlorinated

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise and support front of vehicle on jack stands at frame rails
4. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
5. Apply penetrating oil to axle nut, ball joint nuts, and tie rod end nut if accessible

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle hub nut
   Have an assistant apply brakes or use a pry bar to prevent hub rotation. Remove and discard the staked axle hub nut using a breaker bar and appropriate socket. This nut must be replaced and cannot be reused.
2. 2

   Disconnect ABS sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the steering knuckle. Remove the ABS sensor bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the knuckle bore. Secure the sensor harness out of the way to prevent damage.
3. 3

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two caliper slide bolts and lift the caliper assembly off the rotor. Support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord - do not let it hang by the brake hose. Remove the rotor from the hub. If rotor is seized, use penetrating oil and light tapping with a hammer.
4. 4

   Separate tie rod end and upper ball joint
   Remove the tie rod end castle nut and use a pickle fork or ball joint separator to separate the tie rod from the knuckle. Remove the upper ball joint nuts and separate the upper control arm ball joint from the knuckle. The knuckle should now be free to pivot downward.
   ⚠Use care when using a pickle fork as it may damage the ball joint boot. If joints will be reused, consider using a ball joint separator tool instead.
5. 5

   Remove hub assembly from knuckle
   Remove the three hub mounting bolts from the back of the knuckle. These bolts secure the hub bearing assembly to the steering knuckle. Carefully pull the hub assembly out of the knuckle bore. If stuck, tap gently with a soft hammer while pulling outward. Remove the knuckle assembly from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Remove old bearing from hub
   Secure the hub assembly in a press with proper support under the hub flange. Position a bearing separator or press adapter against the inner bearing race. Press the hub shaft out of the bearing assembly, leaving the bearing races in the hub bore. Remove any snap rings or retainers from the hub bore if present.
   ⚠Support the hub only on the outer flange, never on the inner shaft or ABS tone ring area. Improper support will damage the hub.
7. 7

   Remove bearing races from hub bore
   Use snap ring pliers to remove the bearing retaining snap ring if equipped. Position the hub in the press with the bearing race facing down. Use an appropriate sized bearing race driver or press adapter to press out the outer bearing race. Flip and repeat for the inner race. Clean the hub bore thoroughly with brake cleaner and inspect for damage, cracks, or scoring.
8. 8

   Install new bearing races
   Apply a light coating of bearing grease to the new bearing races. Position the hub in the press with the bore facing up. Use the correct size bearing race driver to press the new outer bearing race squarely into the hub bore until fully seated. Install the inner race from the opposite side. Ensure both races are fully seated and square in the bore. Install the retaining snap ring if equipped.
   ⚠Bearing races must be pressed in squarely. Cocked races will cause premature bearing failure and may damage the hub bore.
9. 9

   Pack bearings and install on hub
   Pack the new wheel bearings with high-temperature bearing grease, working grease into all bearing rollers. Place the inner bearing into the inner race in the hub. Install the new inner bearing seal using a seal driver, ensuring it seats fully and squarely. Insert the hub shaft through the bearings from the inner seal side.
10. 10

    Press hub shaft into bearing assembly
    Support the inner bearing race with a press adapter or appropriate sized socket. Position the hub shaft centered in the bearing bore. Press the hub shaft through the bearing assembly using steady, even pressure until the shaft is fully seated and the bearing is tight on the shaft. Install the outer bearing, packing with grease first. Install the outer bearing seal using a seal driver.
11. 11

    Install hub assembly into knuckle
    Clean the knuckle bore and hub mounting surface thoroughly with brake cleaner. Apply a thin layer of anti-seize to the knuckle bore (avoid getting any on the ABS sensor mounting area). Insert the hub assembly into the knuckle bore, aligning the bolt holes. Install the three hub mounting bolts from the back of the knuckle and torque in a crisscross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Hub Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall knuckle assembly
    Position the knuckle assembly back onto the vehicle. Reconnect the upper ball joint to the upper control arm and install new nuts, torquing to specification. Reconnect the tie rod end and torque the castle nut to specification, aligning the cotter pin hole. Install the axle shaft through the hub if it was removed.
13. 13

    Install ABS sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor bore in the knuckle with brake cleaner. Apply a small amount of anti-seize to the sensor body (not the tip). Insert the ABS sensor into the knuckle bore and install the mounting bolt, torquing to specification. Ensure the sensor harness is properly routed and secured.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall brake components and wheel
    Install the brake rotor onto the hub. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and install the caliper slide bolts, torquing to specification. Install the new axle hub nut and torque to specification. Stake the axle nut collar into the axle shaft groove using a punch and hammer to prevent loosening. Install the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts.
    ⚠The axle nut must be staked after torquing. Failure to stake the nut can result in it loosening and axle separation while driving.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut281 Nm (207 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Pump the brake pedal several times until firm before moving the vehicle. Test drive and verify no abnormal noises, vibrations, or ABS warning lights.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification in the correct sequence
2. Verify the axle nut is properly staked after torquing to prevent loosening
3. Confirm ABS sensor is fully seated and harness is properly routed away from rotating components
4. Check that brake caliper slides freely and brake pedal is firm before test driving

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no grinding, humming, or abnormal noises from the wheel bearing
• Confirm steering operates smoothly with no binding or unusual resistance
• Verify ABS warning light does not illuminate on the dashboard
• Perform a visual inspection of the hub area for any fluid leaks or loose components
• Check for excessive wheel play by grasping the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock positions and attempting to rock it - there should be no perceptible movement

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