Wheel Bearing Hub - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2007 Ram 3500 with 5.9L Cummins diesel and 4WD, including brake caliper removal and axle nut service.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Axle nut cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Aerosol can

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under frame rails
4. Remove rear wheel and tire assembly completely
5. Inspect brake components for wear or damage while accessible

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper
   Remove the two brake caliper slide pin bolts or mounting bolts using appropriate socket. Carefully lift caliper off rotor and support it with wire or bungee cord to prevent stress on brake hose. Do not let caliper hang by the brake line.
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts using 18mm socket and breaker bar. These bolts are typically very tight. Remove the caliper bracket completely to access the wheel bearing hub bolts behind it.
   Torque spec

   Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove axle nut and cotter pin
   Straighten and remove the cotter pin from the axle nut using diagonal cutters or pliers. Discard the old cotter pin. Using a 36mm or 1-1/2 inch socket with breaker bar, remove the axle nut from the end of the axle shaft. This nut is torqued to 200 Nm and will require significant force.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove brake rotor
   Pull the brake rotor straight off the hub studs. If rotor is stuck due to rust or corrosion, apply penetrating oil around the hub center and tap the rotor face alternately with a hammer to break it free. On this full-floating axle, the axle shaft flange bolts must be removed and the axle shaft withdrawn before the hub and rotor can be serviced; the rotor may be retained by the hub studs and require the hub assembly to be addressed first.
5. 5

   Remove wheel bearing hub bolts
   Locate the hub mounting bolts on the rear axle flange (typically 8 bolts arranged in a circle). Clean any debris from bolt heads. Using appropriate socket, remove all hub mounting bolts. Apply penetrating oil if bolts are corroded.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove wheel bearing hub assembly
   Pull the wheel bearing hub assembly straight off the axle tube. If hub is stuck, use a pry bar between the hub flange and axle flange to break the seal, prying evenly around the circumference. Be careful not to damage the axle flange surface. The hub should slide off once freed.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Using wire brush and brake cleaner, thoroughly clean the axle flange mounting surface where the hub seats. Remove all rust, old gasket material, dirt, and corrosion. Clean the hub bolt holes in the axle flange. A clean, flat mounting surface is critical for proper hub seating and bearing life.
8. 8

   Install new wheel bearing hub
   Position the new wheel bearing hub assembly onto the axle tube, aligning the bolt holes with the axle flange. Push the hub fully onto the axle tube until it seats against the flange. Ensure the hub is fully seated before installing bolts.
9. 9

   Install and torque hub bolts
   Install all wheel bearing hub bolts finger-tight. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to bolt threads if specified by hub manufacturer. Torque all hub bolts to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even clamping force and proper hub seating.
   Torque spec

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

    Install brake rotor
    Slide the brake rotor onto the hub studs, ensuring it seats flat against the hub face. If rotor has directional cooling vanes, ensure correct orientation (refer to arrow on rotor if present). Rotor should sit flush without wobble.
11. 11

    Install brake caliper bracket and caliper
    Position the brake caliper bracket over the rotor and align with mounting holes on axle flange. Install caliper bracket bolts and torque to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft). If brake pads are thick, use C-clamp to compress caliper piston slightly before installing caliper. Position caliper over rotor and bracket, then install and tighten caliper slide pin bolts or mounting bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install and torque axle nut
    Install the axle nut onto the axle shaft end. Torque the axle nut to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft) using torque wrench. After torquing, install a NEW cotter pin through the hole in the axle shaft and nut. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure it properly. Never reuse old cotter pins.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install wheel and tire assembly onto hub studs. Install lug nuts finger-tight. Lower vehicle until tire just touches ground but weight is still on jack stands. Torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. After installation, pump brake pedal several times to ensure proper brake pad contact with rotor before moving vehicle
2. Verify axle nut cotter pin is properly installed and bent to prevent loosening
3. Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and verify no abnormal noises, vibrations, or brake issues
4. After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check hub bolt torque to ensure no loosening has occurred

Verification

• Spin the wheel by hand to verify smooth rotation with no binding, grinding, or excessive play
• Check for any axial (in-out) play in the hub by grasping the tire at top and bottom and attempting to rock it
• Verify brake caliper is properly secured and brake pedal feels firm with no excessive travel
• Confirm axle nut is properly torqued and cotter pin is installed and secured
• Test drive vehicle and verify no vibration, noise, or pulling during braking

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