Wheel Bearing Hub - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wheel bearing hub bolts (if not included with hub) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
4. Verify high-voltage system is de-energized using vehicle service mode
5. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
6. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points
7. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for at least 4 tons per stand
8. Remove rear wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut cotter pin
   Straighten and remove the cotter pin from the rear axle nut using a punch or drift. If cotter pin is corroded or damaged, it may need to be driven out completely. Discard the old cotter pin as a new one must be installed during reassembly.
2. 2

   Remove axle nut
   Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, loosen and remove the rear axle nut. This nut is torqued to high specification and may require significant force to break loose. An assistant may need to apply the brake pedal or parking brake to prevent hub rotation.
3. 3

   Remove brake caliper
   Remove the two brake caliper bracket bolts using a 19mm socket. Carefully slide the caliper and bracket assembly off the rotor. Support the caliper assembly using wire or a bungee cord to prevent stress on the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake hose unless necessary.
   Torque spec

   Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the brake rotor from the wheel hub. If rotor is stuck due to corrosion, tap gently with a dead blow hammer on the rotor hat section. Do not strike the friction surface. If rotor is secured with retaining screws, remove them first.
5. 5

   Disconnect wheel speed sensor
   Locate the electrical connector for the wheel speed sensor integrated into the wheel bearing hub assembly. Press the release tab and carefully disconnect the connector. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reinstallation. Use a multimeter to verify no voltage is present at the connector before proceeding.
   ⚠Handle the electrical connector gently as replacement may require entire hub assembly replacement on some electric vehicles.
6. 6

   Remove wheel bearing hub mounting bolts
   Access the rear of the hub assembly from behind the backing plate. Locate the four wheel bearing hub mounting bolts that secure the hub to the knuckle. Use a 19mm socket to remove all four bolts. These bolts pass through from the rear and may have threadlocker applied. Support the hub assembly as you remove the final bolt.
7. 7

   Remove wheel bearing hub assembly
   Carefully pull the hub assembly away from the knuckle while sliding it off the axle shaft. If the hub is stuck, use a pry bar against the knuckle (not the backing plate) to separate it. The hub, bearing, and sensor are integrated as one assembly. Inspect the axle shaft splines for damage or wear.
8. 8

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Using a wire brush, thoroughly clean the knuckle mounting surface where the new hub will seat. Remove all rust, corrosion, old threadlocker, and debris. Clean the axle shaft splines as well. Ensure surfaces are clean and dry before installing new hub. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the axle splines if desired.
9. 9

   Install new wheel bearing hub assembly
   Align the new hub assembly with the axle shaft splines and slide it onto the shaft. Position the hub against the knuckle, ensuring the bolt holes are properly aligned. Verify the wheel speed sensor connector is routed correctly and will not be pinched or damaged. The hub should seat flush against the knuckle face.
10. 10

    Install hub mounting bolts
    Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the threads of the four wheel bearing hub mounting bolts. Insert all four bolts from the rear and hand-thread them into the hub assembly. Tighten the bolts in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. Torque all four bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect wheel speed sensor
    Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks securely into place. Verify the wiring harness is routed properly and secured with any factory clips or retainers. Ensure wiring will not contact rotating components or be exposed to excessive heat.
12. 12

    Install axle nut
    Install the rear axle nut onto the axle shaft and hand-thread it until snug. Use a 21mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the axle nut to specification. The nut should be torqued with the vehicle weight on the ground or with an assistant applying the brakes to prevent hub rotation.
    Torque spec

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

    Install new cotter pin
    Align the castellations on the axle nut with the cotter pin hole in the axle shaft. If alignment is not perfect, tighten the nut slightly (do not loosen) until the nearest castellation aligns with the hole. Insert a new cotter pin through the hole and bend the ends to secure it properly. Ensure the cotter pin cannot fall out or interfere with rotating components.
14. 14

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
    Place the brake rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats properly. If equipped with rotor retaining screws, install them. Position the brake caliper bracket and caliper assembly over the rotor. Install the two caliper bracket bolts and torque to specification in even increments.
    Torque spec

    Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but still allows wheel rotation. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque lug nuts again to final specification.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
2. Start vehicle and verify no warning lights related to ABS or traction control systems
3. Perform a low-speed test drive to verify proper operation and no abnormal noises
4. Check that wheel speed sensor is functioning properly using vehicle diagnostic system

Verification

• Rotate the wheel by hand to verify smooth bearing operation with no grinding, binding, or excessive play
• Check that all torque specifications have been met, especially axle nut and hub mounting bolts
• Verify cotter pin is properly installed and secured
• Confirm brake caliper is properly mounted and brake operation is normal
• Use diagnostic scan tool to verify wheel speed sensor is providing signal to ABS/traction control system
• Test drive vehicle at various speeds and verify no vibration, noise, or warning lights
• Recheck wheel lug nut torque after first 50-100 miles of driving

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