Wheel Bearing Hub - Rear

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut × 1 — Single-use, replace each time

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Loosen axle nut with 30mm socket and breaker bar while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove rear wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper assembly
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts using a 14mm socket. Remove the entire caliper and bracket assembly as one unit. Support the caliper assembly with wire or zip ties from the suspension to prevent stress on the brake hose. Do not let caliper hang by the brake hose.
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the brake rotor by pulling it straight off the hub. If rotor is stuck, use two M8 threaded bolts in the threaded holes on the rotor face to press it off evenly. Tap lightly with rubber mallet if necessary.
3. 3

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back side of the hub assembly. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove the single 10mm sensor mounting bolt and carefully remove the sensor from the hub. Set aside to prevent damage.
4. 4

   Remove axle nut
   Remove the 30mm axle nut completely. This nut is single-use and must be replaced with a new nut during reassembly. Discard the old nut.
   ⚠Axle nut is single-use only. Do not reuse the removed nut.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove hub mounting bolts
   Access the four hub mounting bolts from the rear side of the hub assembly (from inside the wheel well). Use a 12mm socket to remove all four bolts completely. These bolts pass through the hub flange into the suspension knuckle.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove wheel bearing hub assembly
   Pull the hub assembly straight off the axle shaft and away from the knuckle. If hub is stuck, use a pry bar carefully behind the hub flange to separate it from the knuckle, or use a hub puller. Do not damage the axle shaft threads or knuckle mounting surface.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface on the knuckle and the axle shaft splines. Remove all rust, debris, and old threadlocker residue. Ensure surfaces are clean and smooth for proper seating of new hub assembly.
8. 8

   Install new wheel bearing hub
   Align the new hub assembly with the axle shaft splines and push onto the shaft. Align the mounting holes with the knuckle. Install the four hub bolts from the rear and hand-tighten. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the hub bolt threads before installation.
   ℹ️Apply threadlocker to hub bolts before installation.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Torque hub bolts
   Torque all four hub bolts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the hub assembly against the knuckle.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new axle nut
    Install a new 30mm axle nut onto the axle shaft and hand-tighten. Torque the axle nut to specification. The axle nut may require the vehicle to be lowered with wheel installed to prevent the axle from spinning during final torque.
    ⚠Use only a new axle nut. Old nut must not be reused.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install ABS sensor
    Insert the ABS wheel speed sensor into the hub assembly bore. Install the mounting bolt and torque to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector ensuring it clicks into place.
12. 12

    Reinstall brake rotor
    Clean the hub face and rotor mounting surface with brake cleaner. Install the brake rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats fully and flush against the hub face.
13. 13

    Reinstall brake caliper assembly
    Position the caliper and bracket assembly over the rotor. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolt threads. Install both caliper bracket bolts and torque to specification.
    ℹ️Threadlocker is recommended on caliper bracket bolts.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. If axle nut was not fully torqued in Step 10, torque it now with the wheel on the ground and vehicle weight preventing axle rotation
2. Pump brake pedal several times to ensure proper brake caliper piston position before driving
3. Double-check that all bolts are torqued to specification and ABS sensor connector is properly seated

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify ABS warning light turns off after a few seconds, indicating proper ABS sensor connection
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and verify no abnormal noises from rear wheel
• Verify no vibration or looseness from rear wheel during test drive
• Check for proper brake function and even braking before normal operation

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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