Wheel Bearing - Press-In Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a press-in type rear wheel bearing on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler with the 3.6L V6 engine, requiring bearing removal/installation tools and partial differential disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut × 1 — Mopar 6508073AA or equivalent
• Differential cover gasket or RTV sealant × 1 — Use Mopar RTV sealant
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Aerosol can

Fluids

• Mopar 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock the front wheels securely
3. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
4. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support securely on jack stands under the frame rails
5. Remove the rear wheel on the side requiring bearing replacement
6. Verify the bearing is indeed faulty by checking for play or roughness when rotating the wheel hub

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
   Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor electrical connector. Remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the hub assembly. Inspect the sensor tip for damage and clean if necessary. Store the sensor safely away from the work area to prevent damage.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove axle nut
   Use a chisel or punch to unstake the axle nut collar from the axle shaft groove. With the parking brake engaged, use a breaker bar and appropriate socket to loosen and remove the axle nut. Discard the old nut as a new one must be installed. If the axle spins, have an assistant apply the brakes or use a pry bar against the brake caliper bracket to hold the hub.
   ⚠Ensure vehicle is stable before applying high torque to remove the axle nut. The nut is extremely tight.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut281 Nm (207 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect CV joint from differential
   Mark the orientation of the CV joint flange to the differential flange for proper reassembly alignment. Remove the six CV joint bolts securing the inner CV joint to the differential output flange. Support the axle shaft to prevent it from hanging on the outer CV joint.
   Torque spec

   CV Joint Bolts71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Mark and remove driveshaft
   Mark the driveshaft flange orientation to the differential pinion flange using paint or a punch mark. Remove the four driveshaft bolts at the differential. Support the driveshaft and carefully lower it away from the differential. Secure it to the frame with wire or a bungee cord to prevent damage.
   ℹ️Marking the driveshaft orientation is critical to maintain driveline balance and prevent vibration.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Drain differential fluid
   Position a drain pan under the differential cover. Remove all differential cover bolts in a crisscross pattern, loosening gradually to allow controlled draining. Once all bolts are removed, carefully pry the cover off using a plastic scraper or pry bar. Allow all fluid to drain completely. Remove and discard the old gasket material or RTV sealant from both the cover and differential housing using a plastic scraper.
   ⚠Differential fluid may be hot if vehicle was recently driven. Allow adequate cooling time before draining.
   Torque spec

   Differential Cover Bolts39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove hub assembly from axle tube
   Remove the four hub mounting bolts from the back side of the axle flange. The hub assembly is bolted to the axle tube end. Once bolts are removed, pull the hub assembly outward off the axle shaft splines. You may need to tap gently with a rubber mallet or use a slide hammer attached to the hub bolt holes if the hub is stuck. Remove the hub from the vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Hub Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove old bearing from hub
   Secure the hub assembly in a press or use a bearing press tool. Using the appropriate bearing race driver or press adapters, press the old bearing out of the hub from the back side. Apply pressure to the inner race only, not the outer housing. If a press is not available, carefully drive out the bearing using a bearing puller and slide hammer, working evenly around the bearing to prevent cocking. Inspect the hub bore for damage, scoring, or corrosion.
   ⚠Do not apply force to the outer bearing race or housing as this can damage the hub. Press only on the inner race.
8. 8

   Clean and inspect hub bore
   Thoroughly clean the hub bearing bore using brake cleaner and a wire brush. Remove all debris, old grease, and corrosion. Inspect the bore for cracks, scoring, or damage. If the bore is damaged, the hub must be replaced. The bearing bore should be smooth and free of defects for proper bearing seating.
   ℹ️Any damage to the hub bore will cause premature bearing failure. Replace the hub if the bore is damaged.
9. 9

   Install new bearing into hub
   Place the new bearing into the hub bore, ensuring it is square and properly aligned. The bearing should only be pressed on the outer race. Using a bearing driver that contacts only the outer race, or press adapters of the correct size, press the bearing into the hub until it is fully seated against the hub shoulder. The bearing should press in smoothly with steady pressure. Do not strike the bearing with a hammer as this will damage it.
   ⚠Press only on the outer bearing race when installing. Pressing on the inner race or rollers will destroy the bearing.
   ℹ️The bearing must be fully seated against the hub shoulder. A partially seated bearing will fail immediately.
10. 10

    Install hub assembly onto axle
    Clean the axle shaft splines with brake cleaner. Slide the hub assembly with new bearing onto the axle shaft, aligning the splines. Push the hub fully onto the axle shaft. Align the hub bolt holes with the axle tube flange and install the four hub mounting bolts. Tighten the hub bolts in a crisscross pattern to proper torque specification.
    Torque spec

    Hub Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install new axle nut
    Place the new axle nut onto the axle shaft threads. With the parking brake engaged, torque the axle nut to the specified 281 Nm (207 lb-ft). Once torqued, stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove using a chisel or punch to prevent the nut from loosening. Ensure the staking creates a secure indent that locks the nut in place.
    ⚠A new axle nut must be used. Do not reuse the old nut. Staking is critical to prevent nut loosening.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut281 Nm (207 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect CV joint to differential
    Align the CV joint flange with the differential output flange using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Install the six CV joint bolts and tighten in a crisscross pattern to the specified torque of 71 Nm (52 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    CV Joint Bolts71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall differential cover and refill
    Clean the differential cover and housing mating surfaces thoroughly. Apply a continuous 3-4mm bead of RTV sealant to the differential cover flange, circling all bolt holes. Install the cover and thread in all bolts hand-tight. Tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern to 39 Nm (29 lb-ft). Allow RTV to cure for at least 15 minutes before filling. Remove the differential fill plug and add Mopar 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant until it reaches the bottom of the fill hole (approximately 2.0 quarts). Reinstall the fill plug.
    ℹ️Do not overtighten differential cover bolts as this can distort the cover and cause leaks.
    Torque spec

    Differential Cover Bolts39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall driveshaft
    Align the driveshaft flange with the differential pinion flange using the alignment marks made during removal. Install the four driveshaft bolts and torque to 85 Nm (63 lb-ft) in a crisscross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall ABS sensor and wheel
    Install the ABS wheel speed sensor into the hub and tighten the mounting bolt to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft). Reconnect the ABS sensor electrical connector. Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to 156 Nm (115 lb-ft). Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All torque specifications must be followed exactly, especially the critical hub bolts, axle nut, and CV joint bolts
2. The axle nut must be staked after torquing to prevent loosening during operation
3. Ensure all alignment marks on the driveshaft and CV joint are matched during reassembly to maintain driveline balance
4. Allow RTV sealant to cure for at least 15 minutes before filling the differential with gear oil

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify no ABS warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard
• Test drive the vehicle at various speeds and listen for any bearing noise, vibration, or humming from the rear axle
• Check for any differential fluid leaks around the cover after the test drive
• Verify proper operation of the ABS system by performing a controlled stop from 20-25 mph on a safe surface
• Re-check the wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving
• Check differential fluid level after 100 miles and top off if necessary

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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