How to Replace the Vacuum Hub Actuator: 2009-2014 Ford F-150

Watch this video to learn how to replace the vacuum hub actuator on a 2009-2014 Ford F-150.

Replacing Vacuum Hub Actuator on a 2009-2014 Ford F-150: What You Need

Ready to perform this DIY replacement job? Remember that all the parts in this guide can be found on CarParts.com. Check out all the products that fit your vehicle right here.

Parts Checklist

• Hub lock actuator
• Brake cleaner
• Grease

Tightening Torques

• Front Integrated Wheel End (IWE) or Hub lock Actuator bolts: 9 Ft-lbs.
• Tie rod end holding nut: 85 Ft-lbs.
• Upper control arm ball joint: 85 Ft-lbs.
• Wheel hub nut: 30 Ft-lbs.

Tools Checklist

Here’s the toolbox we recommend to repair your Ford F-150: HM85 85 Piece Ratchet and Socket Set

List of tools:

• Hydraulic jack
• Jack stands
• Wheel lug wrench
• Flat head screwdriver
• Crowbar
• Ratchet
• 15mm socket
• Caliper
• Fork
• 10mm socket
• Breaker bar
• 22mm socket
• Hammer
• 8mm socket
• Large flat head screwdriver
• Paper towel
• Torque wrench

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Turn off the engine and engage the parking brake. Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels. Lift the front of your vehicle and place it on jack stands.

Step 2: To change the vacuum hub actuator, start by removing the front wheels for better access. Place the wheels under the vehicle for safety.

Step 3: Using a flathead screwdriver, remove the nut cover from the hub. Lock the hub rotation with a crowbar and unscrew the hub nut using a ratchet and a 15mm socket.

Step 4: Measure the distance between the end of the CV Axle thread and the hub using a caliper for proper reassembly.

Step 5: Disconnect the ABS sensor cable from the body using a fork. Then disconnect it from the brake hose. Unscrew the brake hose fixing screw with a ratchet and a 10mm socket.

Step 6: Loosen the nut on the upper control arm ball joint with a breaker bar and a 22mm socket. Unscrew the nut a few threads with a ratchet.

Step 7: Turn the disk outwards to make the following steps easier then remove the outer tie rod from the knuckle. Tap the knuckle to separate the ball joint from the upper control arm.

Step 8: Lift the front axle slightly with a jack supported by the lower control arm to prevent the wheel knuckle from falling off. Finish unscrewing the upper control arm ball joint.

Step 9: Lower the wheel knuckle with the jack to remove the ball joint and create space to remove the CV Axle. Shift the whole assembly.

Step 10: Disconnect the vacuum lines. Tilt the wheel knuckle to remove the CV Axle and expose the vacuum hub actuator.

Step 11: Unscrew the 3 screws holding the vacuum hub actuator using a ratchet and an 8mm socket. Pry the vacuum hub actuator out of its slot using a large flathead screwdriver. Pull out the CV Axle and remove the vacuum hub actuator.

Step 12: Protect the CV Axle insertion slot near the hub’s contact area with the vacuum hub actuator. Clean impurities using a screwdriver. Grease the wheel hub.

Step 13: Take the new hub actuator. When in RWD mode, the vacuum pump disengages the hub bearing transmission by drawing in the actuator gear. In 4WD mode, the vacuum is off, the actuator engages, and the transmission connects to the wheel hub.

Step 14: Insert the CV Axle through the vacuum hub actuator, position it in the slot, and screw in the 3 retaining screws. Finish tightening with a torque wrench. Remove the jack to maneuver.

Step 15: Insert the CV Axle into the hub by rotating it into the wheel hub assembly. Reinsert the upper control arm ball joint into the wheel knuckle. Loosely screw the nut on to hold it in place.

Step 16: Put the outer tie rod back and screw it on. Finish tightening with a torque wrench. Complete the upper control arm ball joint tightening with a torque wrench. Reconnect the vacuum hoses.

Step 17: Screw the brake hose mounting bracket back on. Clip the ABS sensor cable back into its slots. Verify the measured distance for correct reassembly.

Step 18: Replace the hub nut and screw it back on while blocking hub rotation with a crowbar. Finish tightening with a torque wrench.

Step 19: Put the cover back on the nut. Now you can put the wheels back on your vehicle. Lower the car and block the wheels properly.

Compatible Vehicles

The operation and tools displayed in the video should be available on the following vehicles:

• 2009 Ford F150
• 2010 Ford F150
• 2011 Ford F150
• 2012 Ford F150
• 2013 Ford F150
• 2014 Ford F150

Important Reminders

To ensure that the part is properly installed during reassembly, measure the distance between the end of the drive shaft thread and the hub with a calliper.

To prevent the wheel knuckle unit from falling off, lift the front axle slightly with a jack while being supported by the lower control arm.

Disclaimer:

This video is for entertainment purposes only. Carparts.com, Inc. disclaims all damages including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, and/or punitive, for any liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or arising from any information or lack thereof posted in this video. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All mechanical car projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. If you are in doubt, please consult a licensed mechanic in your area.