Hub and bearing assembly – removal and installation

Independent front suspension models

Removal

Warning: The dust created by the brake sys­tem is harmful to your health. Never blow it out with compressed air and don’t inhale any of it. Do not, under any circumstances, use petroleum-based solvents to clean brake parts. Use brake system cleaner only.

Note: The hub and bearing assembly is sealed-for-life. If worn or damaged, it must be replaced as a unit.

1. On 4WD models, loosen the driveaxle/hub nut. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel.

2. Remove the brake caliper and hang it out of the way with a piece of wire, then remove the caliper mounting bracket (see Brakes). Pull the disc off the hub.

3. Remove the wheel speed sensor.

4. On 4WD models, separate the tie-rod and the upper balljoint from the steering knuckle

5.  On 4WD models, pull the top of the knuckle out to separate it from the axleshaft.

6. Working from the rear of the steering knuckle, remove the hub retaining bolts from the steering knuckle (see illustration).

9.6 To detach the hub from the steering knuckle, remove these bolts (2WD shown, 4WD similar)

RAM Trucks To detach the hub from the steering knuckle, remove these bolts (2WD shown, 4WD similar)

7. Remove the hub from the steering knuckle. Remove the disc shield.

Installation

8. Clean the mating surfaces on the steering knuckle, bearing flange and knuckle bore.

9. Position the disc shield, insert the hub and bearing assembly into the steering knuckle and install the bolts, tightening them to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.

10. Installation is the reverse of removal, noting the following points:

a) On 4WD models, tighten the driveaxle/ hub nut to the torque listed in the Chap­ter 8 Specifications.

b) Tighten the brake caliper mounting bracket and brake caliper mounting bolts to the torque listed in the Brakes Specifications.

c) Install the wheel, lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque listed in the Tune-up and routine maintenance Specifications.

Solid front axle models

11. See Chapter Clutch and driveline for this procedure.