Wheel Bearing - Press-In Front

This procedure removes and replaces a press-in front wheel bearing on a 2025 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, requiring hub removal and hydraulic press operations.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing assembly (press-in type) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wheel hub seal (inner) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wheel hub seal (outer) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification - single-use only
• Brake caliper mounting hardware × 1 — Use OEM specification if damaged
• Hub mounting bolts × 1 — Use OEM specification if damaged

Preparation

1. Place vehicle in service mode using center console display to disable drive system
2. Lift vehicle on appropriate commercial-rated lift or jack stands ensuring stability
3. Remove front wheel and tire assembly on affected side
4. Verify bearing replacement is necessary by checking for play, noise, or excessive drag
5. Take reference photos of brake and suspension assembly orientation
6. Ensure hydraulic press and all bearing adapters are clean and in good condition

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the brake caliper mounting bolts and carefully hang the caliper from the suspension using a wire or caliper hanger to avoid stressing the brake hose. Do not let caliper hang by the brake line. Remove the brake rotor by pulling straight off the hub. If rotor is seized, use penetrating oil and light tapping with dead blow hammer.
2. 2

   Remove axle nut
   Have an assistant apply brakes or use a pry bar to prevent hub rotation. Remove the axle nut using a breaker bar and appropriate socket. This nut is single-use and must be replaced. Mark the position of any washers or spacers for reassembly.
3. 3

   Disconnect steering and suspension components
   Remove the tie rod end from the steering knuckle using appropriate separator tool. Disconnect the lower control arm ball joint from the knuckle. Remove the upper control arm or strut mounting bolts as necessary to access the knuckle assembly. Support the knuckle to prevent it from falling when disconnected.
4. 4

   Remove knuckle assembly
   Carefully pull the knuckle assembly away from the CV axle shaft. The shaft may be tight in the hub bore - use a brass drift and light hammer taps on the back of the hub if needed, or thread the old axle nut on partially and use a hub puller. Remove the entire knuckle assembly from the vehicle and place on a clean workbench.
5. 5

   Remove hub from knuckle
   With the knuckle secured in a vise or on press bed, remove any snap rings or retaining clips from the hub assembly. Use a hydraulic press with appropriate adapters to press the hub out of the bearing inner race. Support the knuckle from behind on press blocks that do not contact the bearing outer race. Press only on the hub, not the wheel studs.
6. 6

   Remove inner bearing race from hub
   If the inner bearing race remains on the hub after removal, use a bearing separator and press or a grinder to carefully remove it. If using a grinder, cut through the race without damaging the hub surface. Alternatively, heat the race with a torch and drive it off using a chisel, being careful not to damage the hub seating surface.
7. 7

   Remove bearing from knuckle
   Remove any snap rings securing the bearing in the knuckle bore using snap ring pliers. Position the knuckle on the press with the bearing facing down and supported by blocks that allow the bearing to pass through. Use a bearing driver or appropriate adapter that contacts only the outer race. Press the bearing completely out of the knuckle bore. Remove and discard old seals.
8. 8

   Clean and inspect knuckle and hub
   Thoroughly clean the bearing bore in the knuckle and the bearing seat on the hub using a wire brush and solvent. Remove all rust, old grease, and debris. Inspect the bearing bore for cracks, scoring, or damage. Inspect the hub for cracks or worn bearing seat. Measure the bore diameter and hub seat diameter to verify they are within specification. Any damage requires replacement of the affected component.
9. 9

   Install new bearing into knuckle
   Apply a thin film of high-temperature bearing grease to the bearing bore. Orient the new bearing correctly (check for marking indicating inner or outer side). Place bearing squarely in the knuckle bore. Using hydraulic press with proper bearing driver adapter that contacts ONLY the outer race, press the bearing into the knuckle until it seats completely against the stop. Press smoothly and steadily - any binding indicates misalignment. Install snap ring if equipped.
10. 10

    Install new seals
    Install new inner and outer seals into their respective positions in the knuckle using appropriate seal drivers. Drive seals in squarely until fully seated. Apply a thin coating of high-temperature grease to seal lips to prevent damage during hub installation.
11. 11

    Press hub into new bearing
    Apply small amount of high-temperature grease to the hub bearing seat. Position the knuckle assembly with bearing facing up on press bed. Align the hub carefully with the bearing inner race. Using a press adapter that contacts only the inner race through the hub, press the hub into the bearing until fully seated. The hub must be pressed through BOTH inner races if this is a double-row bearing. Do not press on the hub flange or wheel studs.
12. 12

    Verify bearing installation and endplay
    Check that the hub rotates smoothly in the new bearing with no binding or roughness. If equipped with a dial indicator, measure bearing endplay to verify it is within specification (typically 0.001-0.003 inches). Install any final snap rings or retainers. The bearing should have minimal play but rotate freely.
13. 13

    Reinstall knuckle assembly
    Carefully slide the knuckle assembly with new bearing and hub onto the CV axle shaft. Reconnect the upper control arm or strut mounting hardware. Reconnect the lower control arm ball joint to the knuckle. Reconnect the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Install all fasteners but do not fully torque yet.
14. 14

    Install rotor, caliper, and wheel
    Install the brake rotor onto the hub. Install the brake caliper with new mounting hardware if necessary. Install new axle nut onto the CV shaft but do not torque yet. Install wheel and tire assembly with lug nuts hand tight.
15. 15

    Torque all fasteners to specification
    Lower the vehicle partially so weight is on suspension but wheel can still rotate. Torque all suspension and steering fasteners to manufacturer specifications in the correct sequence. Torque the axle nut to specification while preventing hub rotation. Torque brake caliper bolts to specification. Lower vehicle completely and torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. All torque specifications must be obtained from Rivian service information as they are not available in the current database
2. Verify all suspension and steering fasteners are properly torqued before test driving
3. The axle nut is a single-use fastener and must be replaced with a new one
4. Apply thread locking compound to fasteners if specified by manufacturer
5. Ensure brake caliper slides freely after reassembly and brake pedal is firm before moving vehicle

Verification

• With vehicle on lift, rotate the wheel by hand to verify smooth rotation with no binding or noise
• Check for any lateral or radial play in the hub by grasping the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock, then 3 and 9 o'clock positions
• Perform a test drive at low speed and verify no vibration, noise, or pulling to one side
• Recheck wheel bearing for play after test drive
• Verify wheel speed sensor is functioning properly with no ABS warning lights
• Schedule a follow-up alignment check as suspension components were disconnected

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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