Replace the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L, including removal of the caliper, rotor, and axle nut to access and install the new hub.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (new) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• ABS sensor O-ring (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on the ground
3. Loosen the 32mm axle nut while vehicle is still on the ground with helper applying brakes (do not remove yet)
4. Raise vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
5. Remove wheel and tire assembly completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on caliper bracket bolts, hub bolts, and ABS sensor bolt if corroded

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove the axle nut
   With the vehicle raised and wheel removed, completely remove the previously loosened 32mm axle nut from the CV axle. If the nut was staked, use a chisel or punch to unstake it first. Set the nut aside as it will be replaced with a new one.
2. 2

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the steering knuckle. Disconnect the electrical connector by depressing the locking tab. Remove the single sensor bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the knuckle. Keep the sensor away from metal debris to prevent magnetizing it.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove brake caliper and bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts from the back of the knuckle using a socket and breaker bar. Remove the entire caliper and bracket assembly together. Support the caliper assembly using wire or a bungee cord attached to the suspension or chassis. Do not let it hang by the brake hose.
   ⚠Caliper bracket bolts are very tight at 120 Nm. Ensure you have a secure grip and use a breaker bar if necessary.
4. 4

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the brake rotor from the hub. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, thread bolts into the threaded holes on the rotor face (if equipped) to push it off, or tap gently with a rubber mallet around the hat section. Do not strike the rotor surface.
5. 5

   Separate CV axle from hub
   Push the CV axle shaft back through the hub bore using a brass drift or soft-faced hammer. If the axle is stuck in the hub splines, use a hub puller to press it out. Support the CV axle to prevent it from dropping or over-extending. You may need to push the entire knuckle assembly outward to create clearance.
   ⚠Do not strike the CV axle threads with a steel hammer as this will damage them.
6. 6

   Remove wheel bearing hub bolts
   From the back side of the steering knuckle, locate and remove the four hub bolts that secure the wheel bearing hub assembly to the knuckle. These bolts pass through from the back. Use a socket and breaker bar as these bolts are torqued to 110 Nm.
   ℹ️Some models may have hub bolts that require threadlocker upon reinstallation. Check service manual for your specific build date.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove old wheel bearing hub
   Once all four bolts are removed, extract the old wheel bearing hub assembly from the front of the knuckle. If it is stuck due to corrosion, gently tap around the outer edge of the hub flange with a soft-faced hammer, or use a hub puller. Clean the hub mounting surface on the knuckle with a wire brush to remove any rust or debris.
8. 8

   Install new wheel bearing hub
   Position the new wheel bearing hub assembly into the knuckle from the front side, ensuring the ABS tone ring (if integral) is positioned correctly and the bolt holes align. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the hub mounting surface if desired. Insert the four hub bolts from the rear of the knuckle and hand-tighten them.
9. 9

   Torque wheel bearing hub bolts
   Torque the four hub bolts to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even seating of the hub. If your service manual specifies threadlocker for your build date, apply medium-strength threadlocker to the bolt threads before installation.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall CV axle into hub
    Guide the CV axle shaft back through the hub splines. The axle should slide through easily. Install the new 32mm axle nut and hand-tighten it. Do not torque it yet as the hub needs to be prevented from rotating.
11. 11

    Reinstall ABS sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor tip and bore in the knuckle. Install a new O-ring on the sensor if equipped. Insert the sensor into the knuckle bore and install the mounting bolt. Torque to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector ensuring it clicks into place.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
    Install the brake rotor onto the hub. Position the caliper bracket and caliper assembly over the rotor. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolt threads as recommended. Install and torque the caliper bracket bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
13. 13

    Install and torque wheel
    Install the wheel and tire assembly. Thread all lug nuts by hand, then tighten them in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but still allows the wheel to be prevented from rotating.
14. 14

    Torque axle nut and stake
    With the wheel on the ground and brakes applied (or have a helper hold the brake pedal), torque the new axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). After torquing, stake the nut using a punch and hammer to deform the nut collar into the CV axle shaft groove, or install a new cotter pin if your axle uses that design.
    ⚠The axle nut must be properly staked or pinned to prevent it from loosening. Verify the staking has created a secure deformation.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Final wheel torque
    Fully lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify ABS sensor electrical connector is fully seated and locked
3. Check that the axle nut is properly staked or pinned
4. Ensure brake caliper is not hanging on brake hose

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no abnormal noises, vibrations, or ABS warning lights
• Perform several moderate brake applications to verify proper brake function
• Recheck wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving
• Verify no ABS or traction control warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster
• Check for any grinding, humming, or clicking noises from the wheel bearing area during turns and straight-line driving

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