Wheel Bearing Hub - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2024 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, including axle disconnection, brake caliper removal, and hub mounting.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Open hood and disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
4. Wait 5 minutes for vehicle systems to fully power down
5. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
6. Raise rear of vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight at manufacturer-specified lift points
7. Remove rear wheel completely
8. Verify vehicle is stable on jack stands before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Break axle nut torque
   With wheel removed and vehicle still supported on jack stands, use a breaker bar and 36mm socket to break the torque on the rear axle nut. Do not remove the nut completely at this stage. If the axle spins, have an assistant apply the service brake or insert a pry bar through the brake rotor vents to hold the hub stationary.
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper
   Remove the two brake caliper mounting bolts using an 18mm socket. Carefully lift the brake caliper off the rotor and secure it to the suspension or frame using wire or a bungee cord. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose, as this can damage the hose internally.
3. 3

   Remove brake caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket mounting bolts using a 17mm socket. The bracket is secured to the hub/knuckle assembly with high-torque fasteners, so ensure you use a quality ratchet or breaker bar. Remove the bracket completely and set aside with the hardware.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove brake rotor
   If present, remove any rotor retaining screws or clips. Slide the brake rotor off the hub studs. If the rotor is seized to the hub, use a rubber mallet to tap it loose from behind. Avoid striking the rotor face directly.
5. 5

   Remove axle nut completely
   Now that the brake assembly is clear, remove the 36mm axle nut completely. Remove and discard the cotter pin. The nut should turn freely now that initial torque was broken. Pull the axle nut off and set aside (this will be replaced with a new nut).
6. 6

   Separate axle from hub
   The axle shaft may be press-fit into the hub bearing. Use a soft-face mallet to gently tap the end of the axle shaft to push it back through the hub bearing approximately 10-15mm. The axle does not need to be fully removed, just separated from the hub bearing inner race. Support the axle to prevent it from dropping.
7. 7

   Access and remove hub mounting bolts
   From the rear of the hub/knuckle assembly, locate the four hub mounting bolts. These are accessed from behind the hub flange. Use a 17mm socket with extension to remove all four bolts. Keep bolts organized for inspection and potential reuse.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove hub bearing assembly
   With all mounting bolts removed and axle separated, pull the hub bearing assembly straight off the knuckle. If the hub is seized, use a hub puller or carefully apply penetrating oil around the mounting surface and tap with a dead-blow hammer while pulling outward. Avoid damaging the knuckle mounting surface.
9. 9

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface on the knuckle using a wire brush. Remove all rust, debris, and old anti-seize. Clean the bolt holes and ensure threads are undamaged. Inspect the knuckle for cracks or damage. Clean the axle shaft splines with a wire brush.
10. 10

    Install new hub bearing assembly
    Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the knuckle mounting surface (avoid getting any on bolt holes). Position the new hub bearing assembly onto the knuckle, ensuring the bolt holes align. Guide the axle shaft through the hub bearing bore, ensuring proper engagement with the splines. The hub should seat flush against the knuckle.
11. 11

    Install and torque hub mounting bolts
    Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the threads of the four hub mounting bolts. Insert all four bolts from behind the hub flange and thread them in by hand. Torque bolts in a cross pattern to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) using a calibrated torque wrench. Verify all bolts are properly seated and torqued.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install new axle nut
    Place the new axle nut onto the axle shaft threads and thread it on by hand as far as possible. Using the 36mm socket and torque wrench, torque the axle nut to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft). Hold the hub or use the service brake to prevent rotation during final torque.
    ⚠Do not reuse the old axle nut. Always install a new nut with each hub replacement.
    Torque spec

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

    Install cotter pin
    Align the castle slots in the axle nut with the cotter pin hole in the axle shaft. If alignment is not perfect, tighten the nut slightly (never loosen) until the nearest slot aligns. Insert the new cotter pin through the hole and bend the ends to secure. Verify the pin is fully seated and properly retained.
14. 14

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper bracket
    Slide the brake rotor onto the hub studs, ensuring it seats flush. Install any retaining screws if present. Position the caliper bracket onto the mounting surface and install both bracket bolts. Torque the caliper bracket bolts to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft) in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove the caliper from its secured position and carefully position it over the brake rotor. Ensure the brake pads properly straddle the rotor. Install both caliper mounting bolts and torque to specification (refer to brake caliper service procedure). Do not over-torque these fasteners.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
2. Lower vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern
4. Reconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
5. Pump brake pedal several times until firm before moving vehicle

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no warning lights related to ABS or traction control are illuminated
• Perform a slow-speed test drive in a safe area, verifying no unusual noises from the rear hub
• Test service brakes at low speed to ensure proper function
• After initial test drive, re-check torque on wheel lug nuts
• Listen for any grinding, humming, or abnormal noises from the rear wheel bearing area during operation
• Verify proper AWD operation if equipped with drive mode selector
• After 50-100 miles, re-inspect axle nut cotter pin to ensure it remains properly installed

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