Wheel Hub: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Pickup, 2003 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2003 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Any time the wheel hub is removed for any reason, a new O-ring seal must be installed. Failure to do so can cause a vacuum leak and loss of four wheel drive operations.

Fig 1: Installing O-Ring

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install a new O-ring.

NOTE: Position the hub in a soft-jawed vise.

Fig 2: Installing Nuts On Studs

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install two nuts on the studs and use the outer nut to install the studs.
Position the ABS sensor and install the bolt.

Fig 3: Positioning ABS Sensor And Installing Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the brake disc shield.

Fig 4: Positioning Brake Disc Shield
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Apply a coat of Ford High Temperature 4x4 Front Axle and Wheel Bearing Grease E8TZ-19590-A meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C198-A to the O-ring area of the wheel hub and bearing before installing the hub and bearing.

Install the wheel hub and bearing.
1. Position the wheel hub and bearing.
2. Install the four lock nuts.
  
  Fig 5: Installing Lock Nuts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Connect the ABS sensor harness.
- Position the ABS sensor harness and install the two bolts.
- Install the routing clips.
- Connect the harness connector.
  
  Fig 6: Connecting Harness Connector
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the snap ring.
- Position the three thrust washers onto the axle shaft.
- Install the snap ring.
  
  Fig 7: Installing Snap Ring
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Any time the hub lock is removed, a new O-ring seal must be installed. Failure to do so can cause a vacuum leak and loss of four wheel drive functions.

Install a new O-ring.

CAUTION: The service replacement kit includes two O-ring seals. One for testing the hub lock assembly and one for reassembly into the wheel hub. DO NOT REUSE O-RING SEALS.

CAUTION: Always check the vacuum leak rate of the wheel end assembly when repairing or diagnosing the axle, wheel end or hub lock performance.

Install a new gasket and O-ring.
- Rotate the hub lock dial to clockwise position (LOCK). Apply lubricant to the inner and outer splines.
- Insert the hub lock into the wheel hub while slowly turning the wheel hub to align the splines. Lift/jiggle the axle U-joint while pushing the hub lock into the wheel hub.
  
  Fig 8: Inserting Hub Lock Into Wheel Hub W/New Gasket And O-Ring
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the hub lock fasteners. Rotate the dial to counter clockwise position (FREE/AUTO) position.
- Confirm the wheel hub turns free of the axle shaft.
  
  Fig 9: Installing Hub Lock Fasteners
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the front disc brake rotor to the wheel hub. Make sure the wheel hub and the front disc brake rotor braking and mounting surfaces are clean.
- Use brake parts cleaner to clean the front disc brake rotor.
  
  Fig 10: Positioning Front Disc Brake Rotor To Wheel Hub
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Carry out this step for DRW vehicles only.

Fig 11: Installing Front Wheel Hub Extender And Nuts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the front wheel hub extender and nuts.

NOTE: Caliper is removed for clarity.

Position back the front disc brake caliper and anchor plate.
- Position back the front disc brake caliper and anchor plate bolts.
- Install the front disc brake caliper anchor plate bolts.
  
  Fig 12: Installing Front Disc Brake Caliper Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
Test the system for normal operation. For additional information, refer to FOUR- WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEMS .