Wheel Bearing - Press-In Rear

This procedure covers the replacement of a press-in style rear wheel bearing on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine. The bearing is integrated into the hub assembly and requires a hydraulic press for removal and installation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing (press-in type) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle hub nut × 1 — 90179-48051 or equivalent
• Cotter pin (if applicable) or stake washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hub bolts (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Brake caliper mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Loosen but do not remove the axle hub nut while vehicle is on ground (use breaker bar)
5. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer jacking points
6. Remove rear wheel completely
7. Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two brake caliper mounting bolts from the rear of the caliper bracket. Carefully slide the caliper and bracket assembly off the rotor. Support the caliper with a wire or caliper hanger - do not let it hang by the brake hose. Remove the brake rotor from the hub. If stuck, use penetrating oil and tap with dead blow hammer.
2. 2

   Disconnect ABS sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor at the rear of the knuckle. Disconnect the electrical connector. Remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the knuckle bore. Set aside in a clean location to prevent contamination.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove axle hub nut
   Completely remove the pre-loosened axle hub nut from the rear axle shaft. If equipped with a cotter pin, remove and discard it first. If staked, use a chisel to un-stake the nut. This nut must not be reused. Remove the washer behind the nut.
   ℹ️The axle nut is a single-use component and must be replaced with a new one during reassembly.
4. 4

   Separate suspension components
   Depending on access needed, disconnect the lower control arm or trailing arm from the knuckle by removing the mounting bolt(s). If necessary for clearance, also disconnect the upper control arm or strut-to-knuckle bolts. Note the orientation and position of any alignment cams or eccentric bolts. Mark these positions before removal to aid realignment.
5. 5

   Remove hub assembly from knuckle
   Remove the four hub bolts from the back side of the knuckle (accessed from behind the dust shield). These bolts secure the hub to the knuckle. Once removed, the hub assembly should pull free from the knuckle. If stuck, carefully tap around the perimeter with a dead blow hammer. Remove the backing plate/dust shield if it comes with the hub.
   Torque spec

   Hub Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove knuckle assembly from vehicle
   With all suspension connections removed, pull the knuckle assembly off the axle shaft. The axle shaft will slide out of the hub bore. Remove the knuckle completely from the vehicle and take to a workbench or press station. Clean the exterior of the knuckle thoroughly with a wire brush.
7. 7

   Press out old bearing
   Position the knuckle in a hydraulic press with the hub facing up. Use a press adapter that contacts only the inner bearing race, not the outer race or knuckle. Press the old bearing assembly downward and out of the knuckle bore. Remove any snap rings or retaining clips first if present. Once the bearing is free, clean the bearing bore thoroughly with a wire brush and inspect for damage or scoring.
   ⚠Press only on the bearing race being removed. Pressing on the wrong surface can damage the knuckle casting or crack the bearing, sending debris into the bore.
8. 8

   Inspect and prepare knuckle bore
   Carefully inspect the bearing bore in the knuckle for any damage, scoring, or corrosion. The bore must be smooth and free of defects. Clean thoroughly with brake cleaner and a lint-free cloth. Check that any snap ring grooves are clean and undamaged. Apply a thin film of bearing grease to the bore to ease installation of the new bearing.
9. 9

   Press in new bearing
   Position the new bearing at the opening of the knuckle bore, ensuring correct orientation (sealed side typically faces outward). Use a press adapter that contacts only the outer bearing race. Carefully press the bearing straight into the bore until it fully seats against the internal stop or snap ring groove. Install any snap rings if equipped. Verify the bearing is fully seated and rotates smoothly by hand.
   ⚠The press adapter must contact only the outer race during installation. Pressing on the inner race or seals will destroy the new bearing.
   ℹ️The bearing must be pressed in perfectly square to the bore. Any cocking or misalignment will cause premature bearing failure.
10. 10

    Reinstall knuckle to vehicle
    Position the knuckle assembly back onto the axle shaft, sliding the shaft through the new bearing bore. Reconnect the upper and lower control arms or strut connections to the knuckle. Install bolts finger-tight but do not torque yet. Ensure any alignment cams or eccentric bolts are returned to their marked positions.
11. 11

    Install hub assembly
    Position the backing plate/dust shield onto the knuckle if removed. Align the hub assembly with the four bolt holes in the knuckle. Insert and hand-tighten all four hub bolts from the rear of the knuckle. Torque the hub bolts to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even seating.
    ℹ️Hub bolts must be torqued in a cross pattern to prevent hub distortion and ensure proper bearing preload.
    Torque spec

    Hub Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install new axle nut
    Install the axle nut washer onto the axle shaft. Thread on the new axle hub nut by hand. To prevent the hub from spinning while torquing, reinstall the brake rotor temporarily and have an assistant apply the brake pedal, or insert a pry bar through the rotor. Torque the axle nut to specification. Secure the nut with a new cotter pin through the castle nut slots, or stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove per manufacturer design.
    ⚠️The axle nut must be torqued to exactly 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) and properly secured. Failure to do so can result in wheel separation while driving.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall ABS sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor tip and bore with brake cleaner. Apply a small amount of anti-seize to the sensor body (not the tip). Insert the sensor into the knuckle bore and install the mounting bolt. Torque to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector and ensure the wiring is properly routed and secured.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall brake components and wheel
    Install the brake rotor onto the hub. Position the brake caliper and bracket assembly over the rotor and install the mounting bolts. Torque all suspension bolts that were loosened to their specifications (consult service manual for specific values). Install the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts103 Nm (76 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Final torque and system check
    With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque any suspension bolts that require vehicle weight for final torque (if applicable). Pump the brake pedal several times to restore brake pad position before moving the vehicle.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts103 Nm (76 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All suspension bolts should be torqued with the vehicle at normal ride height or wheels supporting vehicle weight
2. Verify the axle nut is properly secured with a new cotter pin or staking before driving
3. Double-check all fasteners are tightened to specification before test drive
4. Route ABS sensor wiring away from any rotating or heat-generating components

Verification

• Rotate the wheel by hand - it should spin freely without binding, roughness, or excessive play
• Check for any axial (in-and-out) play in the hub by grasping the rotor at 12 and 6 o'clock positions - there should be no perceptible movement
• Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light extinguishes after a few seconds of driving
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed (5-15 mph) in a safe area and listen for any abnormal noises from the rear wheel bearing
• Perform a final check of all torque specifications, especially the axle nut and wheel lug nuts
• Schedule a wheel alignment as suspension components were disconnected during this procedure

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle