Complete replacement of the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins, including removal of brake caliper, rotor, ABS sensor, CV axle disconnection, and hub-to-knuckle separation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut cotter pin (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hub mounting bolts (if reuse not recommended) × 3 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Loosen the 36mm axle nut 1/2 turn with breaker bar while vehicle is on ground (this nut requires significant force)
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands under the frame rails
5. Remove front wheel completely
6. Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if vehicle has significant rust or corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper assembly
   Remove the two T55 Torx caliper bracket bolts from the rear of the caliper bracket. Remove the entire caliper and bracket assembly as a unit. Support the caliper assembly with wire or a bungee cord from the upper control arm or frame. Do not allow it to hang by the brake hose.
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the brake rotor from the hub. If rotor is stuck due to corrosion, thread two M8 bolts into the threaded holes on the rotor face and tighten alternately to press the rotor off the hub. Alternatively, strike the rotor face with a dead blow hammer between the wheel studs.
3. 3

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the steering knuckle. Remove the single 10mm bolt securing the sensor. Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the hub bore. Do not pry against the sensor or damage the reluctor ring in the hub. Secure the sensor wire out of the way.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove axle nut completely
   Using the 36mm socket, remove the axle nut completely from the end of the CV axle shaft. Remove and discard the cotter pin if equipped, or note if the nut is staked. Set the nut aside. Verify the axle shaft moves freely in the hub splines by pushing it inward slightly.
5. 5

   Disconnect CV axle from front differential
   Locate the six 18mm bolts securing the inner CV joint flange to the front differential output flange. Remove all six CV bolts. Push the CV axle assembly outward and support it with wire to prevent it from hanging and damaging the CV boot. You may need to rotate the axle to access all six bolts.
   ⚠Support the CV axle shaft after disconnecting to prevent boot damage. Do not allow the axle to drop or hang unsupported.
6. 6

   Remove hub-to-knuckle mounting bolts
   Locate the three 15mm bolts on the rear of the steering knuckle that secure the hub assembly. These bolts pass through the knuckle from the back and thread into the hub. Remove all three bolts completely. Note that these are critical high-stress fasteners and should be inspected for wear or damage.
7. 7

   Remove hub assembly from knuckle
   With all mounting bolts removed and the axle disconnected, pull the hub assembly straight out from the steering knuckle. The CV axle shaft will slide out of the hub splines as you remove it. If the hub is stuck due to corrosion, use a soft-faced hammer to tap evenly around the rear of the hub, or use a hub puller if available. Do not pry against the knuckle casting or ABS sensor mounting area.
8. 8

   Clean and inspect mounting surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface on the steering knuckle with a wire brush. Remove all corrosion, dirt, and old gasket material if present. Inspect the knuckle bore for damage, cracks, or excessive wear. Clean the ABS sensor bore and inspect for damage. Verify the CV axle splines are not damaged.
9. 9

   Install new hub assembly
   Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the knuckle mounting surface and the outer diameter of the new hub (avoid getting any on the ABS sensor bore or reluctor ring). Guide the CV axle shaft through the new hub assembly and align the hub with the knuckle bore. Push the hub fully into the knuckle, ensuring it seats completely flush.
10. 10

    Install hub mounting bolts
    Insert the three hub-to-knuckle mounting bolts from the rear of the knuckle. Apply threadlocker to the bolt threads if specified by the replacement hub instructions. Thread all three bolts in by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Torque all three bolts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
11. 11

    Reconnect CV axle to differential
    Align the inner CV joint flange with the front differential output flange. Install all six CV bolts and tighten by hand. Torque all six bolts to specification in a star pattern. Ensure the axle is properly seated and there is no gap between the flanges.
12. 12

    Install and torque axle nut
    Install the axle nut onto the CV axle shaft and hand-tighten. Using a torque wrench and 36mm socket, torque the axle nut to 184 lb-ft. After torquing, secure the nut with a new cotter pin through the hole in the axle shaft, or stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove using a punch and hammer as applicable to your axle design.
    ℹ️The axle nut must be properly secured with a new cotter pin or by staking. Do not reuse old cotter pins.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall ABS sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor tip with a clean cloth. Apply a very light coating of high-temperature synthetic grease to the sensor O-ring. Insert the sensor straight into the hub bore until it seats completely. Install the 10mm mounting bolt and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
    Install the brake rotor onto the hub. Clean the caliper bracket bolt threads and apply threadlocker as recommended. Position the caliper and bracket assembly over the rotor. Install both caliper bracket bolts and torque to specification using the T55 Torx socket.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands.

Reassembly

1. All torque specifications must be followed precisely as listed, particularly the critical fasteners marked in the torque spec database
2. Threadlocker should be applied to caliper bracket bolts and hub bolts if specified by the replacement part instructions
3. A new cotter pin must be used for the axle nut, or the nut must be properly staked if that design is used
4. Verify the ABS sensor wire routing matches the original installation and is not in contact with any rotating or moving components

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no grinding, clicking, or abnormal noises from the front hub area
• Apply brakes firmly several times to verify proper brake operation and no pulsation
• After test drive, re-torque the wheel lug nuts to specification to ensure they have not loosened
• Verify ABS system operation by checking for ABS warning lights on the dashboard during startup and ensuring they extinguish normally
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around the CV axle or differential connection area
• Check that the wheel rotates freely without binding when lifted and spun by hand

More procedures for this vehicle