Parts for your 2020 Ford Ranger-Wheel hubs

2020 Ford Ranger wheel hubs — what they do and how to look after them

Wheel hubs are absolutely relevant and fitted to the 2020 Ford Ranger. Ford’s Workshop Manual for the PXIII Ranger (2019–2021) details a bolt-on, non‑serviceable front wheel hub and bearing assembly (Section 204‑01), and the Ford Parts Catalogue lists front hub/bearing units and rear wheel bearing kits for 2020 models. Independent data providers (e.g., Autodata) mirror the same arrangement: sealed hub units up front and serviceable bearings at the rear live axle. So yes — the Ranger uses wheel hubs and they’re a key part of safe, smooth running.

A wheel hub locates the wheel to the vehicle via the studs, carries the load through the bearing, and provides a mounting for the brake rotor or drum. On many Rangers, the front hub integrates the bearing and ABS tone ring, keeping everything sealed from dust, mud and water — handy for Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

Up front, the hub/bearing assembly is a single sealed unit designed to be replaced, not rebuilt. Telltale signs it’s on the way out include a humming or growling that rises with road speed, play when rocking the wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock, or an ABS warning if the internal encoder is damaged. Because it’s a sealed unit, there’s no greasing — when it’s worn, it’s swap-out time.

Down the back, the live axle uses serviceable bearings and an oil seal at each axle end. Common clues of wear are differential oil weeping at the brake backing plate, rumbling that changes in corners, or roughness when the wheel’s spun by hand. Replacement usually involves pulling the axle shaft and pressing the bearing and retainer — a job many owners leave to a workshop with the right tools.

Good servicing habits help hubs last:

• At each service or before big trips, spin and feel each wheel for roughness, and check for play.
• After water crossings or beach work, rinse gently and avoid blasting seals with a pressure washer.
• Torque wheel nuts correctly, keep tyres balanced, and avoid kerb strikes that can shock the bearings.
• If towing or off-roading often, shorten inspection intervals — condition-based replacement is the go.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, quality parts and sensible checks will see most Rangers clock big kilometres before hub work is needed. When replacement is due, use reputable components and follow the Ford procedure for safe, accurate fitment.

Popular questions about 2020 Ford Ranger wheel hubs

How long do wheel hubs last on a 2020 Ranger?
With normal driving, many factory hubs run well past 150,000 km. Heavy towing, corrugations, water crossings and oversized tyres can shorten life. Replace on condition — noise, play or leaks are the cues, not a fixed kilometre number.

Can Ranger wheel hubs be greased?
The front hub/bearing assemblies are sealed and not serviceable, so there’s no greasing point. Rear bearings on the live axle are lubricated by differential oil and rely on a good axle seal — if that seal fails, repair promptly to avoid bearing damage.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing a front hub?
Usually no, because the hub bolts to the knuckle without altering alignment settings. If any suspension or steering parts were also disturbed, or if there’s uneven tyre wear, an alignment check is smart insurance.