Wheel Bearing - Press-In Rear

This procedure covers the removal and installation of a press-in rear wheel bearing on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500 delivery van, requiring specialized pressing equipment and hub removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing assembly (press-in type) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wheel bearing grease (high-temp synthetic) × 1 — NLGI Grade 2
• Hub seal (inner) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hub seal (outer) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (single-use) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake caliper mounting hardware × 1 — Replace if corroded

Fluids

• 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Power down the vehicle completely using the main power-off procedure
3. Disconnect the 12-volt battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes
4. Raise vehicle on lift or jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove rear wheel on affected side
6. Verify rear differential fluid level before beginning work (mark current level)
7. Place drain pan under rear differential and brake components
8. Document brake caliper and rotor position with photos for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the brake caliper mounting bolts and secure the caliper to the suspension using a wire hanger or bungee cord without stressing the brake line. Remove the brake rotor retaining screws (if equipped) and slide the rotor off the hub. If the rotor is seized, use a slide hammer with threaded holes in the rotor face.
2. 2

   Remove axle nut and disconnect drive axle
   Have an assistant apply brakes or use a hub holding tool to prevent rotation. Remove the axle nut using a breaker bar and appropriate socket. Mark the relationship between the drive axle and hub for reassembly. Disconnect the drive axle from the hub by tapping with a plastic mallet or using a puller. Support the axle to prevent damage to CV joint or differential seal.
3. 3

   Remove suspension components for hub access
   Disconnect the rear lower control arm, trailing arm, or knuckle mounting bolts as necessary to allow knuckle/hub removal. On the EDV 500, this typically requires disconnecting the lower ball joint and lateral link. Support the knuckle assembly during removal. Mark all fastener positions and orientations.
4. 4

   Remove hub and knuckle assembly
   Remove any ABS wheel speed sensor wiring from the knuckle and secure it away from the work area. Remove the knuckle-to-strut mounting bolts and carefully extract the entire hub/knuckle assembly from the vehicle. Place the assembly on a clean workbench with the hub facing upward.
5. 5

   Remove hub from bearing
   Using a hydraulic press or slide hammer with appropriate adapters, separate the hub from the bearing inner race. Apply force only to the hub, not the bearing outer race. If the inner race remains on the hub after extraction, use a bearing splitter and press to remove it. Inspect the hub for wear, scoring, or damage.
6. 6

   Remove bearing seals and snap rings
   Remove the inner and outer bearing seals using a seal puller or by carefully prying with a flat blade screwdriver. Locate and remove any internal or external snap rings or retaining clips that secure the bearing in the knuckle bore. Note the orientation and position of all components for proper reassembly.
7. 7

   Press out old bearing
   Position the knuckle in a hydraulic press with the bearing supported from the outer race only. Select an appropriately sized press arbor that contacts only the outer bearing race, not the knuckle bore. Apply steady pressure to press the bearing out of the knuckle. If the bearing is seized, apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak, or carefully heat the knuckle (not exceeding 200°F) to aid removal.
8. 8

   Clean and inspect knuckle bore
   Thoroughly clean the bearing bore in the knuckle using a wire brush and solvent. Remove all rust, debris, and old grease. Inspect the bore for damage, scoring, or out-of-round conditions using a bore gauge or caliper. Check for cracks in the knuckle casting. Any damage may require knuckle replacement. Measure the bore diameter and verify it is within specification.
9. 9

   Install new bearing into knuckle
   Apply a thin coat of anti-seize or assembly lubricant to the knuckle bore (not the bearing outer race). Align the new bearing squarely with the bore, ensuring proper orientation. Using a hydraulic press and bearing driver that contacts only the outer race, press the bearing into the knuckle until it is fully seated against the stop. Apply steady, even pressure. Verify the bearing is fully seated on all sides.
10. 10

    Install bearing retainers and seals
    Install any snap rings or retaining clips in their original positions, ensuring they are fully seated in their grooves. Pack the bearing with high-temperature wheel bearing grease if not a sealed unit. Install new inner and outer seals using a seal driver, ensuring they are square and driven to the proper depth. The seal lips should face inward toward the bearing.
11. 11

    Press hub into new bearing
    Clean the hub mating surface thoroughly. Apply a light coat of assembly lubricant to the hub bore. Position the hub into the bearing inner race, ensuring proper alignment. Using a press and appropriate arbor that contacts only the inner race, press the hub into the bearing until fully seated. Do not apply pressure through the rolling elements. Verify there is no excessive end play after installation.
12. 12

    Reinstall hub and knuckle assembly
    Position the hub/knuckle assembly back into the vehicle, aligning all mounting points. Reconnect the knuckle to the strut or spindle mounting location and install bolts finger-tight. Reconnect the lower control arm, trailing arm, and any other suspension components removed earlier. Ensure all components are aligned with reference marks made during disassembly.
13. 13

    Reconnect drive axle and install axle nut
    Guide the drive axle back into the hub, aligning the splines with reference marks. Install a new axle nut and torque to specification (use manufacturer specification or comparable EV platform value, typically 175-220 ft-lb for this class of vehicle). Stake or install cotter pin as designed. Verify axle is fully seated in hub.
14. 14

    Reinstall brake components
    Clean the hub face and install the brake rotor, aligning any locating pins. Install rotor retaining screws if equipped. Mount the brake caliper back onto the bracket and torque the caliper bolts to specification (typical range 70-90 ft-lb, verify with OEM data). Ensure brake pads are properly positioned and brake hose is not twisted or kinked.
15. 15

    Torque all fasteners and verify differential fluid
    Following a torque sequence from inboard to outboard, torque all suspension and drivetrain fasteners to manufacturer specifications. Check rear differential fluid level and top off with 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil as needed to restore proper level. Reinstall the wheel and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification before lowering vehicle
2. Reconnect 12-volt battery negative terminal
3. Before test driving, pump brake pedal to ensure proper brake pad seating
4. Perform a wheel alignment check, as suspension component removal may affect alignment
5. Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and listen for unusual bearing noise or vibration

Verification

• Rotate the wheel by hand with vehicle raised - there should be no grinding, roughness, or excessive resistance
• Check for any wheel bearing end play by grasping the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock and attempting to rock it - there should be no perceptible play
• Verify the ABS wheel speed sensor is functioning by checking for fault codes or dashboard warning lights
• Road test the vehicle and verify no vibration, noise, or pulling during acceleration, braking, and cornering
• Re-check all fastener torque values after 50-100 miles of driving
• Verify no fluid leaks from the differential or brake system after completion

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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