All Front Wheel Bearing / Hub Assembly Replacement jobs
Front Wheel Bearing / Hub Assembly Replacement
2013 Ford F-150
This page is rendered deterministically from verified research evidence. See Verified Diagnostic Checks, Tools & Specifications, and Verified Service Notes below for what was actually established for this vehicle.
Here's Where It Gets Greasy The procedure, pain points, and common ways this job fights back.
Procedure
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1
Step
The halfshaft nut is removed and tightened with the vehicle raised on a hoist or support stands.
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2
Step
the hub can be held against rotation by holding the hub flange or applying the service brake.
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3
Step
After removing the 4 hub-to-knuckle mounting bolts (which must be discarded and replaced), push the halfshaft inboard to disengage it from the hub splines.
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4
Step
The OEM manual strictly cautions: 'Do not use a hammer to separate the halfshaft from the hub or damage to the halfshaft can occur.' If the hub is seized in the knuckle bore, mechanical hub pullers or a slide hammer attached to the wheel studs/flange may be used
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5
Step
do not strike the halfshaft threads, Integrated Wheel End (IWE) actuator housing, or knuckle bore sealing surfaces.
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6
Step
None of the suspension or steering joints (steering knuckle, upper ball joint, tie rod end, or halfshaft) need to be disconnected from the vehicle to remove the wheel bearing and hub assembly.
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7
Step
The hub unbolts directly from the knuckle via 4 mounting bolts after removing the brake caliper anchor bracket (supported with mechanic's wire), brake rotor, and halfshaft nut.
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8
Step
Front coil-over spring energy remains safely contained.
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9
Step
Pry off the center metal dust cap from the hub snout.
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10
Step
Do not use an impact wrench to run down or tighten the axle nut, as excessive torque can fracture the small M10 shaft stub or crush the IWE actuator diaphragm.
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11
Step
When sliding the CV axle halfshaft into the new hub assembly, ensure the halfshaft splines fully engage both the hub and the IWE actuator teeth before tightening the axle nut.
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12
Step
Pulling the axle into place with the nut without proper spline alignment will fracture the plastic IWE ring.
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13
Step
Support the removed or displaced caliper independently -- from the structure, a fixture, or a dedicated hanger. Never let its weight rest on, or hang from, the flexible brake hose. For this vehicle, verified research describes: The hub unbolts directly from the knuckle via 4 mounting bolts after removing the brake caliper anchor bracket (supported with mechanic's wire), brake rotor, and halfshaft nut.
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14
Step
Raise the vehicle and support it on jack stands (or a lift) rated for its weight before working underneath it. Do not work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
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15
Step
Support a freed CV axle or halfshaft once it is out of the hub. Do not let it hang unsupported by its own weight -- the inner plunge joint can overextend or separate. For this vehicle, verified research describes: The halfshaft nut is removed and tightened with the vehicle raised on a hoist or support stands.
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16
Step
Separate a ball joint using a proper separator -- a puller, a correctly used pickle fork, or a press -- not a hammer. Control the joint's range of motion as it releases so nearby components are not damaged or dropped.
Gotchas
- Sources disagree on Front wheel hub retaining bolt torque: 129 lb-ft and 148 lb-ft. This factory does not choose between them. Confirm the figure against service information for your exact configuration before tightening anything.
- Sources disagree on Front axle spindle nut torque (4WD): 20 lb-ft and 30 lb-ft. This factory does not choose between them. Confirm the figure against service information for your exact configuration before tightening anything.