🔧 Wheel Bearing Hub Assembly - Replacement

Assumption: This guide covers the front wheel bearing/hub assembly on your Ram. Rear wheel bearings on this truck are a different job.

The wheel bearing on this truck is serviced as a complete hub assembly, not as loose bearing pieces. When it gets noisy or loose, the whole hub is replaced to restore safe steering and wheel support.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground with the parking brake set and the transmission in Park.
• Use jack stands. Do not rely on the floor jack alone.
• Do not let the brake caliper hang by the hose.
• If your truck has a wheel speed sensor in the hub, handle the wiring carefully.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.
• If rust is heavy, use penetrating oil and work slowly to avoid breaking the hub bolts.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for truck weight)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• 22mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Ratchet and extensions
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Hammer
• Rubber mallet
• Penetrating oil
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Wire hook or bungee cord
• Brake cleaner
• Wire brush

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wheel hub and bearing assembly - Qty: 1 per side
• Front axle nut - Qty: 1 per side
• Hub-to-knuckle bolts - Qty: 3 per side
• Brake caliper bracket bolts - Qty: 2 if damaged
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front lug nuts before lifting the truck.
• If the axle nut has a crimp or stake, straighten it first.
• Apply penetrating oil to the axle nut and hub bolts before removal.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the truck

• Use a floor jack to raise the front of the truck.
• Support it with jack stands under the frame.
• Remove the wheel with a 21mm socket.

Step 2: Remove the brake caliper and bracket

• Use an 18mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Lift the caliper and bracket off as an assembly.
• Hang it with a wire hook or bungee cord. Do not let it hang by the hose.
• If needed, use a flat-blade screwdriver to help free the rotor.

Step 3: Remove the rotor

• Pull the brake rotor straight off the hub.
• If it is stuck, tap it gently with a rubber mallet.
• Keep the rotor clean and dry.

Step 4: Remove the axle nut

• Use a 22mm socket and a breaker bar to remove the axle nut.
• If the nut is staked, fully unstake it before removal.

Step 5: Disconnect the wheel speed sensor

• Trace the hub sensor wiring and unplug it by hand.
• If the connector is tight, use a flat-blade screwdriver carefully on the lock tab.
• Do not pull on the wire.

Step 6: Remove the hub bolts

• Use a 15mm socket to remove the 3 hub-to-knuckle bolts from the back side.
• If the hub is seized in the knuckle, tap the flange from behind with a hammer.
• Work around the hub evenly.

Step 7: Remove the hub and bearing assembly

• Pull the hub assembly straight out of the knuckle.
• If it is rusted in place, use penetrating oil and light hammer taps.
• Clean the knuckle mounting surface with a wire brush and brake cleaner.

Step 8: Install the new hub assembly

• Position the new hub in the knuckle.
• Start the 3 hub bolts by hand first.
• Tighten the hub bolts with a 15mm socket.
• Torque to 176 Nm (130 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reconnect the sensor and reinstall the axle nut

• Plug the wheel speed sensor back in.
• Slide the axle through the new hub and install the new axle nut.
• Use a 22mm socket to tighten it.
• Torque to 244 Nm (180 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Reinstall the rotor, caliper, and wheel

• Reinstall the rotor.
• Put the caliper bracket back on with an 18mm socket.
• Torque to 203 Nm (150 ft-lbs).
• Reinstall the wheel with a 21mm socket.
• Lower the truck and torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to 176 Nm (130 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Pump the brake pedal before moving the truck.
• Check that the wheel spins freely with no grinding.
• Drive slowly first and listen for noise.
• Verify the ABS light stays off after starting.
• Recheck lug nut torque after 25-50 miles.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$900 per side (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $140-$320 per side (parts only)

You Save: $310-$580 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-3 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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