Wheel Bearing Hub - Front

Replace the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2025 Rivian EDV 500, including removal of brake components, ABS sensor, and drive axle connection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front 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 engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Put vehicle into Service Mode per manufacturer instructions
4. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes
5. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
6. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
7. Remove front wheel on affected side
8. Verify jack stands are secure and vehicle is stable before working underneath

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut cotter pin and loosen axle nut
   Use a punch and hammer to straighten and remove the cotter pin from the axle nut. With the brake pedal depressed or parking brake engaged, use a breaker bar and 36mm socket to loosen (but do not remove) the axle nut. This is easier done before disturbing the brake components.
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper and bracket
   Remove the two brake caliper bracket bolts using an 18mm socket. Carefully remove the caliper and bracket as an assembly. Support the caliper with a wire or bungee cord to avoid placing stress on the brake hose. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake line.
   Torque spec

   Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove brake rotor
   If the rotor has retaining screws, remove them. Slide the brake rotor off the hub. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use a plastic mallet to tap it from behind while rotating, or use appropriate threaded holes for a rotor puller if equipped.
4. 4

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the steering knuckle. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt using a T30 Torx bit. Carefully extract the sensor from the knuckle, taking care not to damage the sensor tip or wiring harness.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove axle nut completely
   With all brake components removed, completely remove the previously loosened 36mm axle nut. Keep the nut for reference, but a new cotter pin will be installed during reassembly.
6. 6

   Separate drive axle from hub
   Push the drive axle shaft inboard through the hub to separate it from the wheel bearing hub. You may need to use a brass drift or soft mallet to tap the end of the axle shaft. If the axle is stuck in the hub splines, use a puller appropriate for the application. Do not allow the axle to hang unsupported; support it with a wire or stand.
7. 7

   Access hub mounting bolts
   The wheel bearing hub is mounted to the steering knuckle from behind with four bolts. Access may require turning the steering to full lock position in either direction. Depending on the specific configuration, you may need to disconnect the tie rod end or lower ball joint for better access. If additional disassembly is required, note the orientation of all components.
8. 8

   Remove hub mounting bolts
   Using a 15mm socket, remove the four hub mounting bolts from the back of the steering knuckle. These bolts pass through the knuckle and thread into the wheel bearing hub flange. Support the hub as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
9. 9

   Remove wheel bearing hub assembly
   Pull the wheel bearing hub assembly out of the steering knuckle. If the hub is seized in the knuckle bore, use a hub puller or slide hammer with appropriate adapters. Take care not to damage the knuckle bore surface. If significant force is required, apply penetrating oil and allow time to soak.
10. 10

    Clean and inspect knuckle bore
    Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface on the steering knuckle. Remove all rust, corrosion, and debris from the knuckle bore and bolt holes. Inspect the bore for damage, scoring, or excessive wear. Check that the ABS sensor mounting hole is clean and undamaged.
11. 11

    Prepare and install new hub assembly
    Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the outer diameter of the new hub where it contacts the knuckle bore (avoid getting anti-seize on the ABS tone ring or sensor mounting area). If the manufacturer specifies threadlocker on hub bolts, apply medium-strength threadlocker to the bolt threads. Align the new hub with the knuckle bore and carefully slide it into position, ensuring proper seating.
12. 12

    Install and torque hub mounting bolts
    Insert the four hub mounting bolts from the back of the knuckle and hand-thread them into the hub flange. Tighten the bolts in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. Using a torque wrench, torque all four bolts to specification in a cross pattern sequence.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall ABS wheel speed sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor tip with a lint-free cloth. Inspect the sensor for damage. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the sensor body (not the tip). Insert the sensor into the mounting hole in the knuckle, ensuring it is fully seated. Install the sensor mounting bolt and torque to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall drive axle and axle nut
    Guide the drive axle shaft through the new hub, ensuring the splines align properly. Install the axle nut onto the drive axle threads and hand-tighten. Using a torque wrench and 36mm socket, torque the axle nut to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and axle shaft, then bend the ends of the pin to secure it.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall brake rotor, caliper, and bracket
    Slide the brake rotor onto the hub and install any retaining screws if equipped. Position the caliper bracket and caliper assembly over the rotor. Install the caliper bracket bolts and torque to specification in a cross pattern. Verify the brake pads are properly seated and the caliper moves freely.
    Torque spec

    Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
2. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (weight still on jack stands)
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern
4. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands
5. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
6. Exit Service Mode per manufacturer instructions

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify no ABS warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster
• Perform a slow test drive in a safe area, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or steering pull
• Test brake operation at low speed to ensure proper function
• Drive the vehicle 5-10 miles and recheck axle nut torque after allowing components to settle
• If available, use a diagnostic scanner to verify ABS wheel speed sensor is reading correctly and matches other wheel speeds
• Check front differential fluid level if the axle seal area was disturbed during removal
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around the hub or axle area after test drive

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