Wheel Hub: Removal

All vehicles 

1. Remove the axle shaft. For additional information, refer to Axle Shaft .
2. Remove the wheel(s) and tire(s). For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .

   Single Rear Wheel (SRW) vehicles 

3. Remove the brake disc. For additional information, refer to REAR DISC BRAKE .

   Dual Rear Wheels (DRW) vehicles 

4. Remove the caliper anchor plate bolts.
NOTE: Do not allow the brake caliper to hang from the brake hose or damage to the hose can occur.
5. Position the caliper and anchor plate assembly aside.
   • Support the caliper and anchor plate assembly using mechanic's wire.

   All vehicles 

NOTE: The wheel hub nuts are RH thread (right hub) and LH thread (left hub). Each wheel hub nut is stamped RH or LH.
Fig 1: Removing Hub Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
6. Install the Ford Axle Locknut Socket so that the drive tangs of the tool engage the 4 slots in the wheel hub nut.
NOTE: Under no circumstances are power tools to be used when carrying out these operations or damage to the component may occur.
NOTE: The wheel hub nut should not ratchet during this operation. If it does, check the Ford Axle Locknut Socket tabs for wear. They should be a minimum of 5.08 mm (0.2 in) or damage to the components can occur.
NOTE: Discard the wheel hub nut if the wheel hub nut comes apart during removal.
NOTE: Apply inward pressure to the socket to separate the ratcheting components of the hub nut.
Fig 2: Removing Hub Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
7. Using the Ford Axle Locknut Socket, remove the hub nut (counterclockwise for RH thread; clockwise for LH thread).
8. Install the Step Plate.
   Fig 3: Installing Step Plate

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Using the Step Plate and 2 Jaw Puller, loosen the rear wheel hub to the point of removal.
   Fig 4: Loosening Rear Wheel Hub To Point Of Removal

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Do not drop the outer hub bearing when removing the hub or damage to the component may occur.
Fig 5: Removing Rear Wheel Hub Assembly
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
10. Remove the rear wheel hub assembly.
NOTE: Install a new wheel hub seal each time the hub assembly is removed.
NOTE: The inner bearing is located behind the wheel hub seal.
11. Remove the wheel hub seal, slinger and inner bearing.
NOTE: Use extreme care not to scratch or gouge the seal or bearing surfaces or damage to the component may occur.
Fig 6: Removing Wheel Hub Seal Using Step Plate And 2 Jaw Puller
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
12. If after wheel hub removal, the wheel hub seal or seal inner sleeve remains on the spindle, remove it as shown in illustration using the Step Plate and 2 Jaw Puller.
13. Inspect the seal surface and inner shoulder for scratches and damage.
    • Remove all scratches, gouges or galling damage with crocus cloth.
    Fig 7: Locating Seal Surface And Inner Shoulder

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.