This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel and 4WD, including proper torque specifications and hub installation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (one-time use) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support with jack stands under frame rails
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the rear hub assembly. Remove the single 13mm bolt securing the sensor. Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the hub and secure it out of the way. Do not allow the sensor to hang by its wire.
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper and bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts using an 18mm socket. These bolts secure the entire caliper and bracket assembly to the axle flange. Support the caliper assembly and remove it completely. Hang the caliper from the frame using a caliper hanger or sturdy wire - do not let it hang by the brake hose. Note that these bolts have threadlocker applied from factory.
   ⚠Do not depress brake pedal while caliper is removed or brake pads will extend and require disassembly to reinstall.
3. 3

   Remove brake rotor
   Slide the brake rotor off the hub studs. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use two appropriately sized bolts threaded into the rotor's threaded holes to press it off, or carefully tap around the rotor hat section with a brass punch. Do not strike the rotor friction surface.
4. 4

   Remove axle nut
   Using a 36mm socket and breaker bar, remove the large axle nut from the center of the hub. This nut secures the axle shaft through the hub assembly. The nut is single-use and must be discarded - a new nut will be installed during reassembly. The axle shaft may turn while loosening; have an assistant apply brakes if necessary or use a pry bar through the hub bolt holes.
   ℹ️Axle nut must be replaced with new hardware - do not reuse.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove hub assembly bolts
   Locate the hub mounting bolts on the backside of the axle flange. There are typically 8 bolts securing the hub to the axle flange. Using a 3/4 inch socket, remove all hub bolts. Keep track of any washers or spacers present.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove wheel bearing hub assembly
   Pull the hub assembly straight off the axle flange. The hub should slide off once all bolts are removed. If stuck, gently pry between the hub and axle flange using a pry bar in multiple locations. The axle shaft will remain in place through the center of the hub - slide the hub off the shaft end carefully.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the axle flange mounting surface using a wire brush. Remove all rust, corrosion, old gasket material, and debris. Clean the hub bolt holes and threads. Inspect the axle shaft splines for damage or excessive wear. Clean the ABS sensor bore in the axle housing.
8. 8

   Install new hub assembly
   Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the axle flange mounting surface and axle shaft splines (avoid getting anti-seize in the ABS sensor area). Align the new hub assembly with the axle shaft and slide it onto the shaft and against the axle flange. Ensure the ABS tone ring position matches the original orientation. Verify the hub seats fully against the flange.
9. 9

   Install hub mounting bolts
   Apply blue threadlocker to the hub bolt threads if specified by the hub manufacturer. Install all 8 hub mounting bolts and hand-tighten. Torque the bolts in a star pattern to specification using a torque wrench. This ensures even clamping pressure and proper hub seating.
   Torque spec

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

    Install new axle nut
    Place the new axle nut onto the axle shaft threads and hand-tighten. Use a 36mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the axle nut to specification. The nut secures the axle shaft through the hub bearing. Ensure the nut is fully seated.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall brake rotor
    Slide the brake rotor onto the hub studs. The rotor should sit flat against the hub face. If installing a new rotor, remove any protective coating with brake cleaner. Ensure the rotor is fully seated.
12. 12

    Reinstall brake caliper and bracket
    Position the caliper bracket and caliper assembly over the rotor and align with the mounting holes on the axle flange. Apply blue threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolt threads. Install both bracket bolts and torque to specification in an even manner. Verify the caliper moves freely and brake pads are properly positioned on each side of the rotor.
13. 13

    Install ABS wheel speed sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor tip with a lint-free cloth. Inspect the sensor O-ring for damage and replace if necessary. Apply a thin film of clean gear oil to the sensor O-ring. Insert the sensor straight into the hub bore until fully seated. Install the sensor mounting bolt and torque to specification. Ensure the sensor wire is properly routed and secured away from rotating components.
14. 14

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel onto the hub and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground (still supported by jack stands). Torque the lug nuts to specification using a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform final torque check on all lug nuts.

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Ensure no tools or parts are left in the wheel well area
3. Check that ABS sensor wire is properly routed and secured
4. Verify brake caliper is properly positioned and secured

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify ABS warning light extinguishes after initial self-test
• Pump brake pedal several times to ensure firm pedal feel before moving vehicle
• Test drive at low speed (under 10 mph) in a safe area and verify proper brake operation
• Perform several brake applications and verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or pulling
• Drive vehicle at varying speeds and listen for any growling, humming, or grinding noises from the rear wheel bearing area
• Verify ABS system functions properly by monitoring dashboard for warning lights
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after first 50-100 miles of driving

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