🔧 Front Wheel Bearing Hub Assembly - Replacement

This procedure covers the front sealed hub bearing assembly on your F-150. The front bearing is not serviced separately; the complete hub assembly is replaced. If you meant a rear wheel bearing, the job is different.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground with the transmission in Park and the parking brake set.
• Chock the rear wheels before lifting the front.
• Support the truck with jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• Do not let the brake caliper hang by the hose.
• If the truck has 4WD, keep the hub and axle shaft aligned during removal.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm lug wrench or socket
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• 1/2-inch ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Flat screwdriver
• Rubber mallet
• Bungee cord or mechanic's wire
• Penetrating oil
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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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 hub bolts - Qty: 3 per side
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a flat surface and loosen the lug nuts before lifting.
• Turn the steering wheel for better access to the side you are servicing.
• Spray penetrating oil on the hub bolts and let it soak for a few minutes.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the truck

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the truck.
• Set the frame securely on jack stands.
• Remove the wheel with the 21mm lug wrench or socket.

Step 2: Remove the brake caliper and rotor

• Use the 18mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Lift the caliper off and hang it with bungee cord or mechanic's wire.
• Remove the rotor by hand. If stuck, tap it gently with a rubber mallet.

Step 3: Disconnect the wheel speed sensor and axle nut

• Unplug the wheel speed sensor connector carefully.
• Use the 21mm socket and breaker bar to remove the axle nut.
• Keep the axle threads clean.

Step 4: Remove the hub bolts

• From the back of the knuckle, use the 15mm socket to remove the 3 hub bolts.
• If the bolts are tight, use penetrating oil and a breaker bar.

Step 5: Remove the hub assembly

• Pull the hub straight out of the knuckle.
• If it is seized, use a rubber mallet to tap the flange from the back side.
• For 4WD, slide the hub off the axle shaft carefully.

Step 6: Install the new hub assembly

• Clean the knuckle mating surface with brake cleaner.
• Position the new hub assembly and start the bolts by hand.
• Use the 15mm socket to snug the hub bolts.
• Torque to 133 Nm (98 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reinstall the axle nut, rotor, and brakes

• Install the axle nut with the 21mm socket.
• Torque to 258 Nm (190 ft-lbs).
• Reinstall the rotor.
• Reinstall the caliper bracket using the 18mm socket.
• Torque to 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the wheel and lower the truck

• Install the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the truck with the floor jack.
• Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern with the 21mm lug wrench or socket.
• Torque to 204 Nm (150 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Start the truck and listen for noise while turning the steering wheel.
• Check that the ABS and traction lights stay off.
• Test drive slowly and listen for any humming or grinding.
• Recheck lug nut torque after the test drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$850 per side (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$260 per side (parts only)

You Save: $330-$590 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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