MustangForums.com

Ford Mustang GT 2005-2014: How to Replace Wheel Hub and Bearing

Have a bad wheel bearing on your Mustang? Replacing it, and the wheel hub, is a relatively easy job that you can do in a short amount of time. This article will show you how to get it done the right way.

By Brett Foote - September 23, 2015

This article applies to the Ford Mustang GT (2005-2014).

The wheel bearing is exactly what is sounds like, a bearing that keeps the wheels freely spinning; no surprises there. The bearing is situated inside the wheel hub, which is what the wheel is mounted to. When the bearing gives out, there is increased friction on the hub as the wheels turn. This results in a grinding, or howling noise. If the issue is not addressed in a timely manner, disaster can strike. There have been cases of neglected wheel bearings letting the entire wheel go as the vehicle was in motion. Obviously, this is not a good thing. If your wheel bearings are howling, then you need to handle it before the worst happens. On the Ford Mustang, the entire hub and bearing are sold as a unit, which although a bit more costly, makes things much easier to service. Let's get this done.

Materials Needed

  • Floor jack
  • Jack stands
  • Ratchet
  • Assorted socket sizes
  • Bungee cord
  • Breaker bar or long pipe
  • Torque wrench
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Hammer

Step 1 – Remove wheel and brake assembly

Jack the car up and place it on jack stands. Remove the wheel and set it aside. Remove the top and bottom brake caliper bolts. Use a bungee cord to suspend the caliper before pulling it off, so that you don't damage your brake lines. Pull the caliper off the disc. Pull the brake disc off and set aside.

  • Figure 1. Remove the caliper bolts.
  • Figure 2. Use a bungee cord to suspend the caliper and avoid damaging the brake lines.
  • Figure 3. Remove the brake disc.

Step 2 – Remove hub assembly

The hub assembly is located behind the brake disc. Remove the cap from the center of the hub assembly by using a flat head screwdriver and a hammer. Don't worry about damaging the cap, as it must be replaced anyway. Underneath the cap is a 36mm nut that must be removed. You may need a breaker bar to remove this nut because it is torqued down very well. Once the nut is removed, pull the hub straight off.

  • Figure 4. Remove the cap from the center of the hub.
  • Figure 5. Remove the hub nut.
  • Figure 6. Remove the hub assembly.

Step 3 – Install new hub assembly

Slide the new hub in place. Install the new nut and torque it to spec. Install the new cap over the nut. Slide the brake disc back into place, and then the brake caliper. Reinstall the upper as well as lower caliper bolts, and remove the bungee cord. Set the wheel and tire back in place, then reinstall the lug nuts. Repeat steps on the other side of the car. If you are replacing the rear hubs, repeat these steps there as well.

Figure 7. Install the new hub assembly and torque it to specs.

Featured Video: 2006 Mustang GT Wheel Replacement

Related Discussions and Video