Wheel Bearing Hub - Rear

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hub mounting bolts (if reuse not permitted) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes for system discharge
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points
6. Support vehicle with jack stands rated for at least 4 tons per stand
7. Remove rear wheel completely
8. Inspect brake system for fluid leaks or contamination before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut cotter pin
   Locate the axle nut at the center of the rear hub. Use a punch and hammer to straighten and drive out the existing cotter pin. Discard the old cotter pin as it must not be reused.
2. 2

   Remove axle nut
   Using a breaker bar and appropriate socket, loosen and remove the axle nut from the rear axle shaft. This nut requires significant force to remove. Set aside the nut (inspect for damage; replace if threads are damaged).
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove brake caliper
   Remove the two brake caliper bracket bolts securing the caliper assembly to the hub. Support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord to prevent strain on the brake hose. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake line.
4. 4

   Remove brake rotor
   If the rotor has retaining screws, remove them with an impact driver or manual screwdriver. Slide the brake rotor off the hub. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use a rubber mallet to tap around the outer edge and hat section to break it free. Do not strike the rotor friction surface.
5. 5

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor electrical connector near the hub assembly or suspension mounting area. Press the release tab and carefully disconnect the connector. If the sensor is integrated into the hub, note the routing of the wiring harness for reinstallation. Use plastic pry tools if needed to avoid damaging connector terminals.
6. 6

   Remove hub mounting bolts
   Access the rear wheel bearing hub mounting bolts from behind the hub assembly (accessed from the inboard side of the knuckle). There are typically 4 bolts securing the hub to the rear knuckle. Use a socket and breaker bar to remove all mounting bolts. Keep bolts organized for inspection and potential reuse.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove wheel bearing hub assembly
   Carefully pull the hub assembly away from the rear knuckle. The hub may be tight due to press-fit tolerance or corrosion. If necessary, gently tap the back of the hub with a rubber mallet or use a slide hammer with appropriate adapter. Ensure the axle shaft clears the hub splines as you remove it. Inspect the hub mating surface on the knuckle for damage or excessive corrosion.
8. 8

   Clean hub mounting surface
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface on the rear knuckle. Remove all rust, corrosion, dirt, and old sealant. The mating surface must be completely clean and flat to ensure proper hub seating. Inspect the axle shaft splines for damage or excessive wear.
9. 9

   Install new wheel bearing hub assembly
   Align the new hub assembly with the axle shaft splines and carefully guide it into position on the rear knuckle. Ensure the hub is fully seated against the knuckle mounting surface before installing bolts. Verify that any integrated ABS sensor is properly positioned and wiring is not pinched.
10. 10

    Install hub mounting bolts
    Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the threads of the hub mounting bolts if specified by the manufacturer. Insert all four mounting bolts and hand-thread them to prevent cross-threading. Tighten the bolts in a star/cross pattern to ensure even seating. Torque all bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
    Route the ABS sensor wiring harness along the original path, ensuring it is not in contact with any moving suspension components or sharp edges. Connect the electrical connector until it clicks securely. Gently tug on the connection to verify it is fully seated.
12. 12

    Install brake rotor
    Clean the hub face where the rotor mounts using a wire brush or clean cloth. Slide the brake rotor onto the hub, aligning any locating holes. If equipped with rotor retaining screws, install and tighten them. Ensure the rotor sits flat against the hub with no wobble.
13. 13

    Install brake caliper
    If necessary, use a C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool to compress the caliper piston to provide clearance for the rotor. Position the caliper bracket over the rotor and align the mounting holes. Install the caliper bracket bolts and torque to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install and torque axle nut
    Install the axle nut onto the axle shaft and hand-thread it as far as possible. Using a torque wrench and appropriate socket, torque the axle nut to specification. After reaching final torque, align the castellations of the nut with the cotter pin hole in the axle shaft. If alignment is off, tighten slightly (never loosen) until the nearest castellation aligns with the hole.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install new cotter pin
    Insert a new cotter pin through the hole in the axle shaft and through the castellation of the axle nut. Bend the ends of the cotter pin in opposite directions to secure it. Ensure the cotter pin is properly seated and cannot work loose. Trim excess length if necessary, leaving enough to prevent the pin from backing out.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands to the ground
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification (typically 180-200 Nm) in a star pattern
4. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
5. Pump brake pedal several times until firm pedal feel is achieved
6. Check brake fluid level and top off if necessary with DOT 4 brake fluid
7. Clear any diagnostic trouble codes related to ABS sensor disconnection using appropriate scan tool

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no ABS warning lights remain illuminated on instrument cluster
• Perform a slow-speed test drive (5-10 mph) in a safe area to verify proper brake operation and no unusual noises from the hub
• Check for any grinding, humming, or binding sensations during straight-line driving and turns
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after initial test drive (25-50 miles recommended)
• Verify proper operation of ABS system by observing wheel speed sensor data with scan tool or performing controlled ABS activation test if equipped
• Perform final visual inspection of all fasteners and verify cotter pin is properly installed and secure

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