drivetrain

Wheel Bearing Hub - Front

for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.5 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

⚠️Vehicle must be safely supported on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.

⚠The axle nut is torqued to 250 Nm and may require significant force to loosen. Loosen before raising vehicle off ground.

⚠Do not allow brake caliper to hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose internally.

ℹ️Axle nut may be staked or use a cotter pin depending on production date. Inspect before beginning work.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Torque wrench (10-250 Nm range)Essential

Breaker barEssential

Socket set (10mm-32mm)Essential

Pry bar

Wire brush

Brake caliper hanger or wireEssential

Ball joint separator or pickle forkEssential

Hammer

Center punch or chisel (for staked axle nut)Essential

Anti-seize compound

Threadlocker (medium strength)Essential

Parts

Front wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
Axle nut × 1 — 90179-36029 or equivalent
Cotter pin (if applicable) or new staking nut × 1 — Check vehicle specific fastener type

Preparation

Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground
If axle nut is staked, use center punch and hammer to unstake the nut collar while vehicle is on ground
Loosen axle nut with breaker bar while vehicle is still on ground and have assistant apply brakes
Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer jacking points
Remove wheel completely

Procedure

1
Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the steering knuckle. Remove the 10mm bolt securing the sensor and carefully pull the sensor straight out of the hub. Move the sensor and wiring out of the work area to prevent damage.
Torque spec
ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
2
Remove brake caliper and bracket
Remove the two caliper bracket bolts (17mm) from the back of the steering knuckle. Remove the entire caliper and bracket assembly as one unit. Support the caliper with a wire hanger or bungee cord from the strut spring - do not let it hang by the brake hose.
⚠These bolts are torqued to 120 Nm and may be tight. Ensure proper socket engagement to avoid rounding.
3
Remove brake rotor
Pull the brake rotor off the hub. If stuck, use two M8 bolts in the threaded holes on the rotor face to press it off, or tap gently with a rubber mallet from behind. Remove any retaining clips if present.
4
Remove axle nut completely
With the vehicle safely supported, remove the 32mm axle nut completely and set aside (this nut will be replaced). If nut was staked, ensure all staking material is clear of the threads.
Torque spec
Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
5
Disconnect lower ball joint
Remove the cotter pin and nut from the lower ball joint (typically 19mm). Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the ball joint from the lower control arm. The knuckle should now pivot freely.
⚠Using a pickle fork will likely destroy the ball joint boot. Use a proper ball joint separator if reusing components.
6
Disconnect outer tie rod end
Remove the cotter pin and nut from the outer tie rod end (typically 19mm). Use a ball joint separator or tie rod puller to separate the tie rod from the steering knuckle. Mark the tie rod position before removal if performing alignment afterward.
7
Remove hub assembly from knuckle
Pull the steering knuckle assembly outward to disengage the axle shaft from the hub splines. You may need to tap the end of the axle shaft with a plastic mallet to break it free. Once clear, locate the four hub mounting bolts on the back of the knuckle (14mm). Remove all four bolts and extract the old hub assembly from the front of the knuckle.
ℹ️The hub bolts are accessed from behind the knuckle. The knuckle may need to be rotated for access to all four bolts.
Torque spec
Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
8
Clean mounting surfaces
Thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface on the steering knuckle using a wire brush. Remove all rust, debris, and old anti-seize. Clean the axle shaft splines and threads. Inspect the knuckle for cracks or damage.
9
Install new hub assembly
Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the knuckle hub mounting surface (not the bolt holes). Position the new hub assembly into the knuckle from the front. Apply threadlocker to the four hub bolts if specified by manufacturer. Install all four bolts from the rear and torque to specification in a crisscross pattern.
ℹ️Ensure hub is fully seated against knuckle before tightening bolts. Torque in multiple passes to ensure even seating.
Torque spec
Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
10
Reinstall axle shaft and nut
Guide the steering knuckle back onto the axle shaft, ensuring the splines engage fully. Install the NEW axle nut and hand-tighten. Do not torque yet as the hub needs to be prevented from spinning.
11
Reconnect tie rod and ball joint
Reconnect the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle and install the nut. Torque to specification and install new cotter pin. Reconnect the lower ball joint to the control arm, torque the nut to specification, and install new cotter pin.
12
Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
Slide the brake rotor onto the hub. Clean the caliper bracket bolt threads and apply fresh threadlocker. Position the caliper bracket and caliper assembly over the rotor. Install both caliper bracket bolts and torque to specification.
ℹ️Threadlocker is recommended on caliper bracket bolts to prevent loosening under braking forces.
13
Reinstall ABS sensor
Clean the ABS sensor tip and mounting hole if needed. Insert the sensor into the hub bore and install the mounting bolt. Torque to specification. Ensure the sensor wiring is properly routed and secured with any clips.
Torque spec
ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
14
Install wheel and torque axle nut
Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent hub rotation. Torque the axle nut to 250 Nm. Stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove using a punch and hammer, OR install new cotter pin depending on your vehicle's fastener type. Raise vehicle and remove jack stands.
⚠Axle nut must be properly staked or pinned. Failure to do so can result in nut loosening and wheel separation.
Torque spec
Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
15
Final wheel installation
With vehicle on ground, torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

Ensure all fasteners have been torqued to specification
Verify ABS sensor wiring is properly routed and secured
Verify brake caliper is securely mounted and brake pedal is firm before moving vehicle
If tie rod end was disconnected, a wheel alignment is recommended

Verification

Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from the wheel bearing area
Check that ABS warning light is not illuminated and ABS system functions normally
Verify no vibration or wobble during driving
Recheck axle nut staking or cotter pin installation after first test drive
Verify wheel lug nuts remain tight after 50-100 miles of driving

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