Wheel Bearing Hub - Front

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2007 Ram 3500 4WD with the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM or quality aftermarket for 4WD model
• Axle nut cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hub mounting bolts (if damaged or corroded) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• ABS sensor O-ring (if equipped and damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground (do not remove)
3. Loosen but do not remove the front axle nut while vehicle is on the ground (break torque only)
4. Raise and safely support vehicle on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove wheel and tire assembly
6. Verify hub assembly part number matches vehicle application (4WD specific)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut and cotter pin
   The 2007 Ram 3500 4WD uses a solid Dana 60 front axle with a bolt-on unit bearing hub; it does not use a CV axle or a cotter-pinned axle nut. Verify the actual axle-shaft retention method (typically the axle shaft is retained by the unit bearing and inner components) before proceeding, and disregard cotter pin removal if not present. Axle nut socket (verify correct size for actual axle shaft retention hardware; the 36mm CV-style nut may not apply to this solid-axle platform)
2. 2

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the steering knuckle or integrated into the hub assembly. Disconnect the electrical connector by releasing the locking tab. If the sensor is bolt-mounted to the knuckle (not integrated), remove the mounting bolt. Carefully route the wire clear of the work area to prevent damage.
   ⚠Handle the ABS sensor carefully. Damage to the sensor or tone ring will cause ABS fault codes.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove brake caliper and bracket
   Remove the two brake caliper bracket bolts securing the caliper and bracket assembly to the steering knuckle. Use a breaker bar if necessary as these bolts are torqued high (verify factory spec, typically around 130-170 lb-ft for this heavy-duty application). Remove the entire caliper and bracket assembly as a unit. Support the caliper assembly with wire or a bungee cord from the suspension or frame. Do not let it hang by the brake hose.
   ⚠Do not allow brake caliper to hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose internally.
   Torque spec

   Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove brake rotor
   Pull the brake rotor straight off the hub assembly. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use penetrating oil around the hub pilot and gently tap the rotor from behind with a rubber mallet. Some rotors may have threaded holes for bolts to press the rotor off the hub.
5. 5

   Remove hub assembly mounting bolts
   Access the hub assembly mounting bolts from the back side of the steering knuckle. There are typically four bolts securing the hub to the knuckle. Apply penetrating oil if needed and allow to soak. Remove all four hub mounting bolts using the appropriate socket. These bolts may be very tight due to thread locker from the factory.
   ℹ️The hub mounting bolts are accessed from the rear of the knuckle and may require a wobble extension or universal joint socket.
6. 6

   Remove hub assembly from knuckle
   With all mounting bolts removed, pull the hub assembly straight out from the steering knuckle. The splined axle stub shaft will separate from the hub splines. If the hub is stuck in the knuckle bore, gently tap the back of the hub with a brass punch or use a hub puller. Be careful not to damage the knuckle bore surface or the axle shaft splines.
   ⚠Do not strike the CV axle threads with a steel hammer as this will damage the threads.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface in the steering knuckle bore using a wire brush and shop towels. Remove all corrosion, debris, and old thread locker from the bolt holes in the knuckle. Clean the CV axle splines with a wire brush. Inspect the knuckle bore for damage or excessive wear.
8. 8

   Install new hub assembly
   Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the knuckle bore (optional but recommended for future removal). Align the new hub assembly with the CV axle splines and the mounting bolt holes in the knuckle. Carefully push the hub into the knuckle while guiding the CV axle through the hub splines. Ensure the hub is fully seated in the knuckle bore and the bolt holes are aligned.
9. 9

   Install and torque hub mounting bolts
   Apply medium-strength thread locker to the threads of the four hub mounting bolts (if specified by manufacturer). Install all four bolts and hand-tighten. Torque the hub mounting bolts in a crisscross pattern to the factory-specified value (verify in service manual; typically approximately 125 lb-ft / 170 Nm for this heavy-duty application) to ensure even seating of the hub in the knuckle bore.
   ℹ️Torque bolts in a crisscross pattern to prevent cocking the hub in the bore.
   Torque spec

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

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper bracket
    Install the brake rotor onto the hub assembly, ensuring it seats flat against the hub face. Install the brake caliper bracket and caliper assembly onto the steering knuckle. Install the two caliper bracket bolts and torque to 120 Nm (88 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect ABS sensor
    If the ABS sensor is bolt-mounted (not integrated), install the sensor into the knuckle and torque the mounting bolt to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft). Do not overtighten as this can damage the sensor housing. Reconnect the ABS sensor electrical connector and ensure it clicks into place. Secure the wire routing with any clips or retainers.
    ⚠The ABS sensor bolt must not be overtightened. Maximum torque is 10 Nm (7 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

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

    Install and torque axle nut
    Clean the threads on the CV axle shaft and inside the axle nut. This platform (solid Dana 60 front axle with bolt-on unit bearing) does not use a cotter-pinned CV axle nut. Verify the actual axle-shaft retention and any inner axle nut spec in the factory service manual before torquing; disregard the cotter pin installation if no such nut is present.
    ⚠A new cotter pin must be used. Do not reuse the old cotter pin.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and tire assembly. Hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but does not bear full weight. Torque the lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners have been torqued to specification
2. Verify ABS sensor connector is fully seated and locked
3. Check that brake caliper is properly secured and brake hose is not twisted or kinked
4. Confirm new cotter pin is properly installed and bent to prevent loosening

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no ABS warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises or vibrations from the front wheel bearing
• Apply brakes gently to verify proper brake operation
• After 50-100 miles, re-check axle nut torque and verify cotter pin is still secure
• Listen for any grinding, humming, or growling noises that would indicate bearing installation issues

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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