Wheel Bearing - Press-In Front

Remove the front wheel hub assembly, press out the old wheel bearing, press in a new bearing, and reinstall the hub assembly with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut × 1 — Use new fastener
• Cotter pin or stake washer × 1 — Per torque spec requirement
• Hub bolts (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts and axle nut while vehicle is on ground (axle nut is torqued to 250 Nm)
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
4. Remove front wheel on affected side
5. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak
6. Verify you have access to a hydraulic press capable of at least 10 tons

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two brake caliper mounting bolts and carefully lift caliper off rotor. Support caliper with wire or hook to prevent strain on brake hose. Remove caliper mounting bracket bolts and set aside. Slide brake rotor off hub. If rotor is stuck, use threaded holes for removal bolts or tap gently with rubber mallet.
2. 2

   Disconnect ABS sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the knuckle assembly. Disconnect the electrical connector by depressing the locking tab. Remove the ABS sensor bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the knuckle bore. Inspect sensor tip for damage or metal debris.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove axle nut and separate control arm
   Remove the previously loosened axle nut completely. Remove the cotter pin or stake washer and discard. Separate the lower control arm ball joint from the knuckle using a ball joint separator tool. Remove the tie rod end castle nut and use separator to disconnect tie rod from knuckle. Support the knuckle assembly as connections are released.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove hub assembly from knuckle
   With the knuckle now free, remove the four hub bolts from the back of the knuckle that secure the hub assembly. These bolts pass through from the back and thread into the hub. Carefully tap the hub assembly out of the knuckle using a soft-faced mallet if necessary. The hub, bearing, and inner race will come out as an assembly.
   ⚠Support the hub assembly as it releases to prevent it from falling and causing injury.
   Torque spec

   Hub Bolts107 Nm (79 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Inspect and clean knuckle bore
   Thoroughly clean the bearing bore in the knuckle using wire brush and solvent. Remove all rust, corrosion, and old grease. Inspect the bore for cracks, scoring, or damage. The bore surface must be smooth for proper bearing press fit. Check that the bearing snap ring groove (if equipped) is clean and undamaged.
6. 6

   Remove old bearing from hub
   Place the hub assembly in a hydraulic press with the wheel mounting flange facing down. Position a bearing separator under the inner bearing race against the hub. Use appropriate press adapters to press the hub down through the bearing, separating it from the bearing assembly. The bearing inner race will remain on the hub.
   ⚠️Wear safety glasses and use press shield. Ensure bearing separator is properly positioned to prevent slippage during pressing operation.
7. 7

   Remove bearing race from hub
   With the hub separated from the bearing, remove the inner bearing race that remains on the hub shaft. Use a bearing separator or carefully cut the race with a grinder without damaging the hub surface. Alternatively, use a press with appropriate adapters to press the race off. Clean the hub surface thoroughly after race removal.
8. 8

   Remove outer bearing race from knuckle
   If the outer bearing race remains in the knuckle bore, remove the snap ring (if equipped) using snap ring pliers. Use a bearing race driver or appropriate drift punch to drive the old outer race out from the back side of the knuckle. Work evenly around the race to prevent cocking. Clean the bore again after removal.
9. 9

   Press new bearing into knuckle
   Place the knuckle in the press with the front side facing down. Ensure the bearing bore is clean and dry. Position the new bearing assembly squarely in the bore opening. Using a bearing race driver that contacts only the outer race of the bearing, carefully press the bearing into the knuckle until it seats fully. Install snap ring if equipped. Verify bearing is seated evenly and flush with no gaps.
   ⚠Press only on the outer race when installing bearing. Pressing on inner race or seal will destroy the bearing.
10. 10

    Press hub into new bearing
    Position the knuckle with bearing in the press with the back side down. Insert the hub shaft through the bearing from the front side. Using a press adapter that contacts only the inner bearing race (not the hub flange), press the hub through the bearing until the hub is fully seated against the inner race. The hub should press in smoothly with gradually increasing resistance. Do not press on the wheel mounting flange or ABS reluctor ring.
    ⚠Press only on the inner bearing race. Pressing on outer race at this stage will damage the bearing.
11. 11

    Verify bearing installation and endplay
    Check that the hub rotates smoothly in the new bearing with no binding or rough spots. Spin the hub by hand and feel for any resistance or noise. If available, use a dial indicator to check hub endplay (should be minimal, typically less than 0.05mm). Inspect for any gaps between components or misalignment.
12. 12

    Install hub assembly to knuckle
    Position the completed hub and knuckle assembly back into the vehicle. Thread the axle shaft through the hub. Install the four hub bolts from the back of the knuckle and torque in a cross pattern to specification. Reconnect the lower control arm ball joint to the knuckle and install new castle nut. Reconnect tie rod end and install castle nut. Install cotter pins.
    Torque spec

    Hub Bolts107 Nm (79 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install ABS sensor and axle nut
    Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the ABS sensor and carefully insert it into the knuckle bore. Install and torque the ABS sensor bolt to specification. Reconnect the ABS sensor electrical connector. Install new axle nut and torque to 250 Nm. Install new cotter pin through castle nut and axle shaft, or stake the nut per manufacturer specification.
    ⚠Do not reuse the old axle nut. Always install a new axle nut and cotter pin or stake per specification.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall brake components and wheel
    Clean the hub mounting surface with a wire brush. Install the brake rotor onto the hub. Install the caliper mounting bracket and torque bolts to specification. Install the brake caliper over the rotor and torque mounting bolts. Install the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to 140 Nm in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all fasteners have been torqued to specification, particularly the axle nut and hub bolts which are critical
2. Ensure the new cotter pin is properly installed and bent to prevent axle nut loosening
3. Verify ABS sensor connector is fully seated and secured
4. Pump brake pedal several times to restore proper brake caliper piston position before driving

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Listen for any grinding, humming, or clicking sounds from the wheel bearing area during turns and straight driving
• Check that ABS warning light is off and ABS system functions properly during test drive
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Verify no play in the hub assembly by attempting to rock the wheel with vehicle raised (there should be zero detectable play)

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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