Wheel Bearing Hub - Front

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van with dual motor AWD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing hub assembly with ABS sensor × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Axle nut cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hub bolts (if worn or damaged) × 5 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system shutdown
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle and support on manufacturer-specified jack stand points
5. Remove front wheel on affected side
6. Verify vehicle is stable and secure before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut and ABS sensor
   Using a 32mm socket and breaker bar, remove the cotter pin from the axle nut. Loosen and remove the axle nut while having an assistant apply brakes or use a pry bar to prevent rotor rotation. Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor electrical connector by releasing the locking tab. Remove the ABS sensor bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the hub assembly. Inspect sensor for damage.
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper assembly
   Remove the two brake caliper bracket bolts using appropriate socket. Carefully slide the caliper and bracket assembly off the rotor. Support the caliper assembly with wire or a bungee cord from the suspension to avoid stress on the brake hose. Do not let caliper hang by the brake line.
3. 3

   Remove brake rotor
   If rotor is secured with retaining screws, remove them. Pull the brake rotor off the hub. If rotor is seized to hub, use a dead blow hammer to tap around the outer edge to break it loose. Do not damage rotor surface if reusing.
4. 4

   Separate tie rod end
   Remove the tie rod end castle nut and cotter pin. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Apply force gradually to avoid damaging the knuckle or boot. Once separated, support the tie rod to prevent damage to the steering rack boot.
5. 5

   Separate lower control arm
   Remove the lower ball joint pinch bolt or castle nut (depending on design). Use a ball joint separator to disconnect the lower control arm from the steering knuckle. Apply penetrating oil if fasteners are corroded. Note the orientation of any alignment shims or eccentric bolts for reassembly.
6. 6

   Remove CV axle from hub
   Push the CV axle shaft out of the hub splines using hand pressure or light taps with a brass drift. The axle should slide out once the nut is removed and ball joints are separated. Support the outer CV joint to prevent damage. Do not pull on the inner CV joint as this may separate it from the transmission/motor.
7. 7

   Remove wheel bearing hub bolts
   From the back side of the steering knuckle, locate the four or five hub mounting bolts. Clean the area around the bolts with a wire brush. Using the appropriate socket, remove all hub mounting bolts. Keep bolts organized and inspect threads for damage. Note bolt locations if different lengths are used.
8. 8

   Extract wheel bearing hub
   Tap the hub assembly from behind using a brass drift and hammer to break it free from the knuckle. Work around the circumference evenly to avoid binding. Once loose, remove the hub assembly completely from the knuckle. Inspect the knuckle bore for damage, corrosion, or debris.
9. 9

   Clean and prepare knuckle
   Thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface on the steering knuckle using a wire brush and clean rag. Remove all rust, corrosion, and old sealant. Inspect the knuckle bore for scoring or damage. Clean the bolt holes and threads. Ensure mounting surface is clean and smooth for proper hub seating.
10. 10

    Install new wheel bearing hub
    Verify the new hub assembly matches the original and includes integrated ABS sensor ring. If specified by manufacturer, apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the knuckle bore (check service manual as some applications prohibit this). Carefully align the new hub assembly with the knuckle and press it into position by hand. Ensure the ABS sensor mounting hole is properly aligned.
11. 11

    Install and torque hub bolts
    Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the hub mounting bolt threads as specified. Insert all hub bolts from the back side of the knuckle. Thread bolts in by hand to ensure proper engagement. Torque all bolts in a star pattern to specification. Verify all bolts are properly seated and torqued.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall CV axle and components
    Clean the CV axle splines and apply a small amount of anti-seize. Carefully insert the CV axle through the hub assembly, ensuring splines engage fully. Reconnect the lower control arm ball joint to the steering knuckle and install the pinch bolt or castle nut finger-tight. Reconnect the tie rod end and install castle nut finger-tight.
13. 13

    Install ABS sensor and brake components
    Clean the ABS sensor bore and sensor with brake cleaner. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the sensor O-ring if equipped. Install the ABS sensor into the hub and torque the mounting bolt to specification. Reconnect the ABS sensor electrical connector ensuring it clicks into place. Reinstall the brake rotor, ensuring it sits flush on the hub.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall brake caliper and torque suspension
    Position the brake caliper and bracket assembly over the rotor. Install caliper bracket bolts and torque to specification. Torque the lower ball joint and tie rod end fasteners to specification (refer to separate torque specifications for these components). Install new cotter pins where applicable.
    Torque spec

    Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install and torque axle nut
    Install the new axle nut and torque to specification while preventing rotor rotation. After reaching final torque, install a new cotter pin through the axle shaft hole. Bend cotter pin legs properly to secure. Verify nut cannot rotate and cotter pin is properly installed.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern
2. Lower vehicle to ground and torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern
3. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
4. Pump brake pedal several times to ensure proper brake operation before moving vehicle
5. Start vehicle and verify no warning lights are present on instrument cluster

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or pulling
• Verify ABS and traction control systems function properly with no warning lights
• Check for proper wheel speed sensor operation using scan tool if available
• Recheck all fastener torques after 50-100 miles of driving
• Perform wheel alignment check as suspension components were disconnected
• Verify no play in wheel bearing by attempting to rock wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock positions with vehicle raised

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle