🔧 Front Wheel Bearing Hub - Replacement

On your F-150, the front wheel bearing is part of the hub assembly, so the usual repair is replacing the complete hub unit. If you are hearing a growl, humming, or feeling looseness in the front wheel, this is the repair that fixes it.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the truck securely on jack stands before removing a wheel.
• Do not work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• Use caution around the brake caliper and rotor; they are heavy.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.
• Keep the steering straight for easier hub removal.

---

🔧 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
• 19mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 7mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 18mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Bungee cord or mechanic's wire
• Flat screwdriver
• Rubber mallet
• Penetrating oil
• Wire brush
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wheel bearing hub assembly - Qty: 1 per side replaced
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1
• Anti-seize compound - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground.
• Set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the lug nuts before lifting the truck.
• If both front bearings are noisy, replace them in pairs.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the wheel

• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the lug nuts 1/2 turn before lifting the truck.

Step 2: Raise and support the truck

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front corner.
• Set the truck on jack stands (rated for truck weight).
• Remove the wheel with the 21mm socket.

Step 3: Remove the brake caliper and bracket

• Use a 7mm socket to remove the caliper slide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the rotor.
• Hang the caliper with bungee cord or mechanic's wire.
• Use an 18mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Remove the bracket from the knuckle.

Step 4: Remove the brake rotor

• Pull the rotor straight off the hub.
• If stuck, tap it gently with a rubber mallet.
• Spray penetrating oil first if rusted.

Step 5: Remove the ABS sensor wire from the hub area

• Use a flat screwdriver to release the sensor wire clips from the steering knuckle.
• Do not pull on the wire itself.

Step 6: Remove the hub bolts

• From the back side of the knuckle, use an 18mm socket to remove the 3 hub mounting bolts.
• Spray penetrating oil on the bolts first if needed.
• Break the bolts loose before removing them fully.

Step 7: Remove the hub assembly

• Pull the hub straight out of the knuckle.
• If stuck, tap around the hub flange with a rubber mallet.
• Clean the mounting surface with a wire brush.

Step 8: Install the new hub assembly

• Position the new hub in the knuckle.
• Install the 3 hub bolts by hand first.
• Use an 18mm socket to tighten them evenly.
• Torque to 133 Nm (98 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the rotor and brakes

• Slide the rotor back onto the hub.
• Reinstall the caliper bracket with an 18mm socket.
• Torque to 184 Nm (136 ft-lbs).
• Reinstall the caliper with a 7mm socket.
• Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on.
• Thread the lug nuts by hand first.
• Lower the truck and use a 21mm socket and torque wrench.
• Torque to 150 Nm (111 ft-lbs).

Step 11: Repeat on the other side if needed

• If both front bearings are noisy, repeat the same steps on the opposite side.

---

✅ After Repair

• Pump the brake pedal until it feels firm before driving.
• Check for ABS warning lights.
• Test drive slowly and listen for noise.
• Recheck lug nut torque after the test drive.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $90-$220 per side (parts only)

You Save: $360-$680 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-3 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.