Wheel Bearing - Press-In Front

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a press-in front wheel bearing on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, requiring hub removal and bearing press operations.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing assembly (press-in type) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wheel hub axle nut × 1 — Single-use locking nut
• Brake caliper mounting bolts (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Bearing retaining snap ring (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• High-temperature bearing grease × 1 — Use OEM-approved grease

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts and axle hub nut while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Lift vehicle using designated lift points and support on jack stands
6. Remove front wheel completely
7. Clean wheel hub and brake assembly area with wire brush to remove debris

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper assembly
   Remove the brake caliper mounting bolts using appropriate socket. Carefully slide caliper off the rotor without twisting or stressing the brake hose. Suspend caliper from suspension using a caliper hanger or wire - never let it hang by the brake line. Inspect brake line connections for any damage.
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   If rotor is secured with set screws, remove them with impact driver or manual driver. If rotor is stuck, use penetrating oil and tap gently with dead blow hammer around the hat section. Remove rotor completely. Mark rotor position if reusing to maintain balance.
3. 3

   Remove axle hub nut and backing plate
   Fully remove the previously loosened axle hub nut (may require breaker bar). Remove any backing plate or dust shield bolts if present. On EDV 500 models, there may be ABS sensor wiring routed through the backing plate - carefully disconnect and route clear of work area.
4. 4

   Separate tie rod end and control arm
   Disconnect the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle using appropriate separator tool or removal procedure. Remove the lower ball joint pinch bolt or control arm mounting bolts as needed to create clearance for knuckle removal. Support the control arm to prevent dropping when disconnected.
5. 5

   Remove knuckle assembly from vehicle
   With control arm and tie rod disconnected, carefully work the knuckle assembly off the axle stub shaft. May require gentle prying or tapping with dead blow hammer. Protect CV boot from damage. Remove the entire knuckle/hub/bearing assembly as a unit and transfer to clean workbench for pressing operations.
6. 6

   Remove hub from knuckle
   Secure knuckle in hydraulic press or use hub puller tool. Position press adapters to push on the hub only, not bearing races. Apply steady pressure to press hub out of bearing inner race. If bearing inner race remains on hub, use bearing separator and press to remove it. Inspect hub for wear, scoring, or damage - replace if compromised.
7. 7

   Remove bearing retaining hardware
   Inspect knuckle bore for snap rings or retaining clips. Use snap ring pliers to remove any internal or external bearing retaining rings. Note the orientation and position of any clips for reassembly. Clean the snap ring grooves thoroughly.
8. 8

   Press out old bearing from knuckle
   Position knuckle in press with proper support on outer edge only - never apply pressure to knuckle face. Use bearing race driver or appropriate press adapter that contacts outer bearing race only. Press bearing out of knuckle bore. If bearing is seized, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak, or carefully apply heat to knuckle bore (not exceeding 250°F).
9. 9

   Clean and inspect knuckle bore
   Thoroughly clean bearing bore in knuckle using wire brush and solvent. Remove all rust, debris, and old grease. Inspect bore for cracks, scoring, or damage. Measure bore diameter if possible and compare to specifications. Any significant damage requires knuckle replacement. Inspect ABS tone ring or encoder if integrated with bearing.
10. 10

    Press new bearing into knuckle
    Apply thin layer of approved assembly lubricant to knuckle bearing bore (do not use excessive grease). Position new bearing squarely in bore with any markings or tone ring facing correct direction (typically outboard). Use press with adapter that contacts outer bearing race only. Press bearing until fully seated against shoulder in bore. Bearing should sit flush and square - verify with straightedge or dial indicator.
11. 11

    Install bearing retaining hardware
    Install new snap ring or retaining clip in groove, ensuring it is fully seated in its groove around entire circumference. Verify snap ring is not twisted or deformed. Snap ring must be completely seated to prevent bearing movement.
12. 12

    Press hub into new bearing
    Apply small amount of anti-seize to hub splines (not bearing contact area). Position knuckle assembly in press with bearing supported from behind. Align hub squarely with bearing inner race. Use press adapter that contacts hub inner race seat only. Press hub into bearing with steady pressure until fully seated. Do not press on threaded portion of hub or ABS tone ring.
13. 13

    Verify bearing installation and endplay
    After hub is pressed in, check for smooth rotation by hand - bearing should turn freely without binding, roughness, or excessive play. If available, use dial indicator to check hub endplay (should typically be 0.001-0.003 inches). Check that ABS tone ring or encoder has proper clearance to sensor mounting location.
14. 14

    Reinstall knuckle assembly to vehicle
    Clean axle stub shaft splines and apply light coating of anti-seize. Carefully slide knuckle/hub assembly onto axle shaft, protecting CV boot. Reconnect lower control arm and ball joint hardware. Reconnect tie rod end to knuckle. Hand-tighten all fasteners initially, then torque to specification per service manual (not available in current database).
15. 15

    Reinstall brake components and wheel
    Install backing plate if equipped. Reinstall brake rotor, aligning any index marks if reusing. Remount brake caliper using new bolts if originals are damaged, torque per specification. Install new axle hub nut and snug by hand. Reinstall wheel and lug nuts hand-tight. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground, then torque axle nut to specification. Torque wheel lug nuts in star pattern. Reconnect 12V battery.

Reassembly

1. All fasteners should be torqued to manufacturer specifications - consult Rivian service documentation as values are not in current database
2. Use new single-use axle hub nut - never reuse locking-type axle nuts
3. Verify ABS sensor has proper air gap to tone ring (typically 0.020-0.040 inches)
4. Route all wiring and brake lines away from moving suspension components
5. Double-check that brake caliper is properly seated on mounting bracket before torquing bolts

Verification

• Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speed, verify no unusual noise, vibration, or pulling
• Perform several moderate brake applications to verify proper brake function
• Check for ABS warning lights or faults using diagnostic scanner - may need to clear codes after bearing replacement
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts and verify axle nut torque
• Listen for any grinding, humming, or growling noise from front wheel bearing during turns and straight driving
• Verify no excessive heat buildup at wheel hub after extended driving
• Check for wheel play by attempting to rock wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock positions with vehicle lifted - no movement should be present

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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