Wheel Bearing - Press-In Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a press-in type rear wheel bearing on the 2025 Rivian EDV 500, requiring specialized pressing equipment and precise hub removal techniques.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing assembly (press-in type) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hub seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wheel speed sensor O-ring (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil (rear differential top-off if needed) — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Perform 12V battery disconnect procedure per Rivian service manual to de-energize vehicle systems
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points and secure with heavy-duty jack stands
5. Remove rear wheel and tire assembly
6. Spray penetrating oil on axle nut and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
7. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
8. Have all pressing tools, drivers, and new bearing components staged and ready

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut and brake components
   Using a breaker bar and appropriate socket, remove the rear axle nut while having an assistant apply brakes or using a hub holding tool. Remove brake caliper mounting bolts and secure caliper aside with wire or bungee cord without stressing brake hose. Remove brake rotor by removing any retaining screws or clips if present.
2. 2

   Disconnect wheel speed sensor
   Locate the rear wheel speed sensor connector near the knuckle or control arm. Disconnect the electrical connector and carefully remove any retaining clips securing the sensor wire. If sensor is integrated into hub, note routing for reinstallation. Remove sensor mounting bolt and extract sensor from knuckle housing, taking care not to damage sensor tip.
3. 3

   Remove hub assembly from knuckle
   Inspect the rear hub for retaining bolts accessing from the back side of the knuckle. Remove all hub mounting bolts if present. Using a proper hub puller tool, attach to the hub face and carefully extract the hub assembly from the knuckle bore. Apply steady pressure and avoid hammering directly on components. If hub is seized, apply additional penetrating oil and allow time to penetrate.
4. 4

   Inspect knuckle and prepare for bearing removal
   With hub removed, inspect the knuckle bearing bore for cracks, damage, or excessive corrosion. Clean the bore area thoroughly with wire brush and clean rags. Check for any snap rings or retaining clips that secure the bearing in the knuckle. Remove any retaining hardware found.
5. 5

   Press out old wheel bearing
   Position the knuckle in a hydraulic press or use a bearing press kit with appropriate size adapters. Select a driver or press adapter that contacts only the outer race of the bearing. Apply steady, even pressure to press the old bearing out of the knuckle bore. Ensure press tooling is centered and perpendicular to avoid cocking the bearing during removal. If bearing is particularly stubborn, slight heating of the knuckle (not exceeding 200°F) may help, but avoid direct flame.
6. 6

   Clean and inspect knuckle bore
   Thoroughly clean the knuckle bearing bore using a wire brush and solvent to remove all old grease, rust, and debris. Inspect the bore carefully for any scores, cracks, or damage that would prevent proper bearing seating. Use a clean rag to wipe the bore completely dry. Measure the bore diameter with calipers if available to ensure it meets specifications and is not worn oversize.
7. 7

   Prepare new bearing for installation
   Remove new bearing from packaging and inspect for any shipping damage. Do NOT remove any protective seals or shields from the bearing. Apply a thin, even coat of high-temperature synthetic bearing grease to the outer diameter of the new bearing. Ensure new bearing matches the orientation of the old bearing, noting which side faces inward and which faces outward.
8. 8

   Press in new wheel bearing
   Position the knuckle in the press with proper support underneath. Place the new bearing squarely into the bore opening, ensuring correct orientation. Select a bearing driver or press adapter that contacts ONLY the outer race of the new bearing. Never press on the inner race, seals, or rolling elements. Apply steady, even pressure to press the bearing fully into the bore until it bottoms against the knuckle shoulder or stop. Verify bearing is fully seated by checking that it sits flush and even all around the bore.
9. 9

   Install bearing retaining hardware and seal
   If the design uses a snap ring or retaining clip, install it now ensuring it is fully seated in its groove. Install the new hub seal into position, pressing it carefully with an appropriate seal driver until flush with the knuckle face. Apply a thin coat of grease to the seal lip.
10. 10

    Reinstall hub assembly into bearing
    Clean the hub mating surface and shaft thoroughly. Apply a small amount of anti-seize to the hub shaft splines if applicable. Carefully align the hub assembly with the new bearing inner race. Using a press or appropriate installation tool, press the hub into the bearing by applying force ONLY to the inner race through the hub. Press until hub is fully seated. If design uses hub mounting bolts instead of press-fit, align hub and install bolts per factory sequence.
11. 11

    Check bearing end play
    Using a dial indicator mounted to the knuckle, position the indicator tip against the hub face. Grasp the hub firmly and attempt to move it in and out along the axis of rotation. Measure end play - it should typically be less than 0.002-0.005 inches. Excessive end play indicates improper installation or defective parts. Some designs have zero end play with proper installation.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel speed sensor
    Clean the wheel speed sensor and its mounting bore in the knuckle. Install new O-ring on sensor if applicable. Insert sensor into mounting hole and install retaining bolt, tightening to specification. Reconnect electrical connector and secure wiring with all clips and retainers in original positions. Ensure adequate clearance between sensor and tone ring.
13. 13

    Reinstall brake components and axle nut
    Reinstall brake rotor onto hub, securing with any retaining screws if used. Reinstall brake caliper and tighten mounting bolts to specification. Install new axle nut onto axle shaft and tighten to manufacturer specification while preventing hub rotation. Stake or install cotter pin per design requirements.
14. 14

    Final inspection and wheel installation
    Rotate the hub by hand to verify smooth rotation with no binding, roughness, or noise. Check that all fasteners are properly tightened and all tools are removed from work area. Reinstall wheel and tire assembly, threading lug nuts by hand first. Tighten lug nuts in star pattern to snug, but final torque will be applied after lowering vehicle.

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle carefully from jack stands until tires just contact ground
2. Torque wheel lug nuts to Rivian specification in proper star pattern sequence
3. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands and floor jack
4. Reconnect 12V battery and restore vehicle electrical systems
5. Check rear differential fluid level through fill plug and top off with 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil if needed
6. Pump brake pedal several times to ensure proper caliper piston position before moving vehicle

Verification

• Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speeds (under 15 mph) and verify no abnormal noise, vibration, or pulling from rear wheel bearing area
• Perform moderate braking tests to ensure proper brake function
• After initial test drive, re-check axle nut torque and wheel lug nut torque
• Drive vehicle 50-100 miles and re-inspect for any looseness, noise, or fluid leaks around hub area
• Verify wheel speed sensor function through vehicle diagnostics - no ABS or traction control warnings should be present
• Listen for any humming, grinding, or roaring sounds that would indicate bearing installation issues

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