Wheel Bearing - Press-In Rear

Replace the rear wheel bearing on a 2015 Kia Forte by removing the hub assembly, pressing out the old bearing from the knuckle, and pressing in a new bearing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification for press-in bearing
• Wheel bearing retaining ring or snap ring × 1 — Usually included with bearing
• Hub bolts (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• ABS sensor O-ring (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove rear wheel completely

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 knuckle. Clean the sensor bore in the knuckle with brake cleaner. Inspect the O-ring and replace if damaged.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the brake caliper mounting bolts and suspend the caliper with wire or a bungee cord to avoid stressing the brake hose. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake line. Remove the caliper bracket bolts and bracket. Slide the brake rotor off the hub. If seized, use penetrating oil and light tapping with a rubber mallet.
3. 3

   Remove hub assembly from knuckle
   Remove the four hub bolts from the rear of the knuckle (accessed from the inboard side). These bolts secure the hub to the bearing inner race. Using a soft-faced hammer or brass drift, carefully tap the hub out of the bearing bore. If the hub is stuck, use a bearing puller or press to push the hub out from the wheel side. Keep the hub clean and inspect for damage or excessive runout.
   ⚠Do not strike the hub directly with a steel hammer as this can damage the hub flange or ABS tone ring if integrated.
   Torque spec

   Hub Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove knuckle assembly from vehicle
   Remove the lower control arm to knuckle bolt and nut. Remove the trailing arm to knuckle bolt and nut. Remove the upper strut to knuckle bolts and nuts. Carefully remove the knuckle assembly from the vehicle. Mark the position of any eccentric bolts or alignment cams before removal for easier reassembly.
5. 5

   Press out old bearing from knuckle
   Secure the knuckle in a hydraulic press with proper support under the outer edge of the knuckle (not the bearing area). Remove the bearing retaining ring or snap ring from the knuckle bore using snap ring pliers. Position a press adapter or bearing driver against the outer bearing race only. Press the bearing out of the knuckle bore, applying steady even pressure. Clean the bearing bore thoroughly with brake cleaner and a wire brush, removing all rust, dirt, and old grease.
   ⚠The press adapter must contact only the outer bearing race. Pressing on the inner race or rolling elements will damage the knuckle bore.
6. 6

   Inspect knuckle bearing bore
   Carefully inspect the knuckle bearing bore for cracks, scoring, or damage. Check for any discoloration indicating overheating. Measure the bore diameter to ensure it is within specification and not worn oversize. Minor surface rust is acceptable and will be removed during pressing, but deep pitting or cracks require knuckle replacement. Inspect the snap ring groove for damage.
7. 7

   Press new bearing into knuckle
   Verify the new bearing is clean and free of debris. Lightly apply anti-seize compound to the outer diameter of the bearing and the knuckle bore (optional but aids installation). Position the bearing squarely in the knuckle bore with the correct orientation (magnetic encoder ring or seal facing outward if applicable). Using a press adapter that contacts only the outer bearing race, press the bearing into the knuckle until it is fully seated against the shoulder in the bore. Install the new bearing retaining ring or snap ring, ensuring it is fully seated in the groove.
   ⚠️Press only on the outer race when installing. Pressing on the inner race will destroy the new bearing before it is even installed.
   ⚠Ensure the bearing is pressed in squarely. Cocking the bearing during installation can damage both the bearing and knuckle bore.
8. 8

   Press hub into new bearing
   Clean the hub mating surface and bearing inner race thoroughly. Position the hub into the bearing from the outboard side of the knuckle. Using a press adapter that contacts the inner bearing race only (through the hub center), press the hub fully into the bearing until it seats. The hub should press in smoothly with steady pressure. If excessive force is required, stop and verify alignment.
   ⚠The press adapter must drive the hub through contact with the bearing inner race only, not the hub flange or outer bearing race.
9. 9

   Reinstall knuckle assembly to vehicle
   Position the knuckle assembly back into the vehicle. Install the upper strut to knuckle bolts and nuts finger-tight. Install the trailing arm to knuckle bolt and nut finger-tight. Install the lower control arm to knuckle bolt and nut finger-tight. Align any marked eccentric bolts or cams to their original positions. Torque all suspension fasteners to manufacturer specifications (consult service manual for specific values as these are not provided in the torque list).
10. 10

    Install hub retaining bolts
    From the inboard side of the knuckle, install the four hub bolts through the knuckle and into the bearing inner race/hub assembly. Start all four bolts by hand to ensure proper threading. Torque the hub bolts to specification in a cross pattern (opposing bolts) to ensure even seating of the hub.
    Torque spec

    Hub Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall brake components
    Slide the brake rotor onto the hub. Install the caliper bracket and torque the bracket bolts to specification. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and install the caliper mounting bolts, torquing to specification. Remove any wire or support used to suspend the caliper.
12. 12

    Reinstall ABS sensor
    Apply a thin coat of anti-seize or dielectric grease to the ABS sensor O-ring and sensor body. Carefully insert the ABS sensor into the knuckle bore, ensuring it seats fully. Install the ABS sensor bolt and torque to specification. Reconnect the ABS sensor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place securely.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub, ensuring the hub bolts or studs align properly. Thread the lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but do not fully torque yet. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground with slight weight on it. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all suspension fasteners are torqued to specification after the vehicle is lowered and at normal ride height
2. Pump the brake pedal several times to ensure proper brake pad seating before moving the vehicle
3. Check brake fluid level and top off with DOT 4 fluid if necessary

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no abnormal noises, vibrations, or pulling
• Verify ABS warning light is not illuminated on the dashboard
• Perform a final torque check on wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Listen for any grinding, humming, or growling noises from the rear wheel that would indicate bearing failure or improper installation
• Check for excessive wheel bearing endplay by grasping the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock and attempting to rock it - there should be no perceptible play
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as suspension components were disconnected during this procedure

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