Wheel Bearing Hub - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK with the 3.6L V6 engine and four-wheel drive.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM or equivalent Timken/Moog hub assembly
• Axle shaft nut × 1 — Mopar 6508455AA or equivalent
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Use copper-based anti-seize

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Loosen the rear axle nut while vehicle is on ground using breaker bar and 36mm socket (do not remove completely)
5. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
6. Remove rear wheel completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on hub bolts, CV joint bolts, and ABS sensor bolt if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor mounted on the rear hub assembly. Remove the 10mm bolt securing the sensor and carefully pull the sensor straight out of the hub. Do not twist or bend the sensor. Secure the sensor and wiring out of the way with a zip tie or wire to prevent damage.
2. 2

   Remove axle shaft nut
   Using a 36mm socket, completely remove the axle shaft nut that was previously loosened. Discard this nut as a new one must be used during reassembly. Remove the washer behind the nut and set aside for reuse.
   ℹ️This nut is single-use and must be replaced with a new one during reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Mark and disconnect CV joint from axle flange
   Use a paint marker or scribe to mark the relationship between the CV joint and the axle flange for proper alignment during reassembly. Remove the four bolts securing the CV joint to the rear axle flange using a 13mm socket. Support the axle shaft and carefully pull it away from the differential flange. Secure the axle shaft to the suspension or frame with wire to prevent it from hanging.
   ⚠Do not allow the axle shaft to hang unsupported as this can damage the CV joint.
4. 4

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two brake caliper slide pin bolts and lift the caliper off the rotor. Support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord from the suspension to avoid stressing the brake hose. Do not let it hang by the brake line. Slide the brake rotor off the hub studs. If the rotor is stuck, use light hammer taps around the edge to break it free.
   ⚠Never allow the brake caliper to hang by the brake hose as this can cause internal damage to the hose.
5. 5

   Remove hub mounting bolts
   From the backside of the brake backing plate/hub assembly, locate the four hub mounting bolts. These are accessed from behind the hub flange. Use a 15mm socket and remove all four bolts. Apply penetrating oil if bolts are corroded.
   ℹ️These bolts may be heavily corroded on older vehicles. Allow penetrating oil to soak before attempting removal.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove hub assembly
   With all four hub bolts removed, pull the hub assembly straight off the axle shaft splines. You may need to use light hammer taps on the back of the hub or pry gently with a pry bar to break it free. The hub, bearing, and backing plate come off as one assembly. Inspect the axle shaft splines for damage or excessive wear.
   ⚠Be careful not to damage the axle shaft splines or backing plate during removal.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the axle flange mating surface, the backing plate mounting surface on the axle housing, and the hub mounting bolt holes. Remove all rust, dirt, and old corrosion. Apply a light coat of anti-seize to the axle shaft splines.
   ℹ️Clean mounting surfaces ensure proper seating and prevent premature bearing failure.
8. 8

   Install new hub assembly
   Align the new hub assembly with the axle shaft splines and backing plate mounting surface. Slide the hub assembly onto the axle shaft, ensuring the splines engage properly and the bolt holes align with the backing plate. Push the assembly fully onto the axle until it seats against the backing plate mounting surface.
   ⚠Ensure the ABS tone ring on the new hub is clean and undamaged.
9. 9

   Install and torque hub mounting bolts
   Install the four hub mounting bolts from the backside of the assembly. Thread them in by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Torque all four bolts to specification in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even seating of the hub assembly.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
    Slide the brake rotor back onto the hub studs. Ensure the rotor sits flush against the hub face. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and reinstall the caliper slide pin bolts. Torque the caliper bolts to manufacturer specification (not provided in this procedure).
11. 11

    Reconnect CV joint to axle flange
    Align the CV joint with the rear axle flange using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Install the four CV joint bolts and torque to specification in a criss-cross pattern. Ensure the joint is properly seated against the flange.
12. 12

    Install new axle nut
    Place the washer onto the axle shaft, followed by the new axle nut. Thread the nut on by hand as far as possible. Using a 36mm socket and torque wrench, torque the axle nut to specification. This is a critical fastener requiring precise torque.
    ⚠A new axle nut must be used. Do not reuse the old nut as it is a single-use torque-to-yield fastener.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall ABS sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor tip and the sensor bore in the hub with a clean rag. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the sensor body (not the tip). Insert the sensor straight into the hub bore until it seats completely. Install the sensor mounting bolt and torque to specification.
    ℹ️Do not apply anti-seize to the sensor tip as this can affect sensor operation.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub and thread all lug nuts on by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but does not bear full weight. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners in the sequence specified to ensure proper bearing preload and component alignment
2. The new axle nut is critical for proper bearing retention and must not be reused
3. Ensure the ABS sensor is fully seated and the wiring is properly routed away from moving components

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light extinguishes after a few seconds of driving
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and listen for any grinding, humming, or abnormal noises from the rear wheel area
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque the wheel lug nuts to specification
• Perform a visual inspection underneath to ensure all fasteners are secure and the axle shaft is properly seated
• Verify smooth operation during turns with no binding or unusual vibration

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