How to Replace Wheel Bearing & Hub Assembly 02-08 Dodge Ram 1500 Truck
Difficulty: Advanced · About 110 min · Dodge Ram
Replace the front wheel bearing and hub assembly, including the rotor and caliper, on a 2002-2008 Dodge Ram 1500.
Tools you will need
- 13mm socket
- Large C-clamp
- Socket extensions
- Torque wrench
- Jack stands
- 18mm socket
- Flat blade screwdriver
- 7/8 inch socket
- 13/16 inch socket
- Ratchet
- Wire brush
- Floor jack
- Breaker bar
Parts and supplies
- Wheel bearing and hub assembly
Steps
- Remove the wheel and tire
Raise and support the truck, then remove the lug nuts and wheel.
- Remove the caliper
Turn the wheels fully away from the side you're working on, remove the caliper's bolts with a socket wrench, tie it aside with a wire tie to avoid stressing the brake line, then remove the caliper bracket's bolts.
- Remove the brake rotor
Lift it off, taking care not to touch its surface — clean it with rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits if you do.
- Remove the old hub
Remove the hub nut with a 35mm socket, tap the axle with a hammer to loosen it, pry it out with a pry bar, remove the hub's three bolts with an 18mm socket and breaker bar (penetrating oil helps), disconnect the ABS sensor, break the hub free with a rubber mallet working around the flange, then remove the hub and shield and clean off corrosion with a wire brush.
- Install the new hub
Prep the knuckle with penetrating oil, set the three 18mm bolts and tighten them to about 100 ft-lb, reinstall the ABS harness, replace the axle, then thread the lug nut on without fully torquing it yet.
- Reinstall the brakes and wheel
Refit the caliper, bracket and rotor, replace the lug nuts in a star pattern and torque them to about 120 ft-lb, torque the hub nut to about 185 ft-lb, then check the brakes and steering and pump the brake pedal to seat the rotors before driving.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.