Replace the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4, including removal of brake caliper, rotor, and axle components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut cotter pin or stake nut × 1 — 90179-06057 or equivalent
• Thread locker compound × 1 — Medium strength

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on the ground
3. Loosen the 32mm axle nut while vehicle is on the ground with helper applying brakes, or remove cotter pin/unstake nut first
4. Raise vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove wheel completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on all fasteners and allow to soak if rusty

Procedure

1. 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. Carefully pull the sensor straight out of the knuckle bore. Disconnect the electrical connector and secure the sensor wire away from the work area. Do not damage the sensor tip or allow metal debris to contact it.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper and bracket
   Remove the two 17mm caliper slide pin bolts and lift the caliper off the rotor. Support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord to prevent stress on the brake hose. Remove the two 19mm caliper bracket bolts to remove the bracket from the knuckle. Set bracket aside. Note: Caliper bracket bolts are torqued to 120 Nm and may require significant force to remove.
   ⚠Never let the brake caliper hang by the brake hose. Suspend it from the suspension or chassis with wire.
3. 3

   Remove brake rotor
   Pull the brake rotor straight off the hub studs. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, thread two 8mm x 1.25 bolts into the threaded holes on the rotor face and tighten evenly to push the rotor off the hub. Do not hammer directly on the rotor face.
4. 4

   Remove axle nut completely
   If not already removed, remove the cotter pin with needle nose pliers or use a punch to unstake the axle nut. Remove the 32mm axle nut completely and remove the washer behind it. Keep the washer for reinstallation. The nut should have been loosened while the vehicle was on the ground.
5. 5

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Locate the lower ball joint connection at the bottom of the steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin and 19mm castle nut from the ball joint stud. Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to separate the ball joint taper from the knuckle. Strike the tool firmly with a hammer until the joint releases. Allow the lower control arm to drop down.
6. 6

   Push axle shaft out of hub
   Using a soft-faced hammer or brass punch, tap the end of the CV axle shaft through the center of the hub assembly. The splined shaft should push through the bearing. If the axle is stuck, use a puller or continue tapping while moving the knuckle assembly. Pull the knuckle assembly outward away from the axle to create clearance.
7. 7

   Remove hub assembly mounting bolts
   From the back side of the steering knuckle, locate the four 14mm bolts securing the wheel bearing hub assembly. These bolts thread into the hub from behind the knuckle. Remove all four bolts completely. Apply penetrating oil if bolts are corroded.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove hub assembly from knuckle
   Pull the wheel bearing hub assembly straight out from the front of the steering knuckle. The hub should slide out with the four studs coming through the knuckle. If stuck, tap gently on the studs from behind with a soft hammer. Do not damage the knuckle mounting surface.
9. 9

   Clean and inspect knuckle
   Clean the hub mounting surface on the steering knuckle thoroughly with a wire brush and brake cleaner. Remove all rust, dirt, and old corrosion. Inspect the knuckle for cracks or damage. Inspect the CV axle shaft splines and boot for damage. Clean the axle shaft splines with brake cleaner.
10. 10

    Install new hub assembly
    Insert the new wheel bearing hub assembly into the steering knuckle from the front, aligning the four studs with the mounting holes. Ensure the ABS sensor reluctor ring (if equipped) faces outward. Push the hub fully into the knuckle until seated. From behind the knuckle, install the four 14mm mounting bolts. Apply medium-strength thread locker to the bolt threads if specified by the hub manufacturer. Tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall axle shaft and reconnect ball joint
    Guide the CV axle shaft through the center of the new hub assembly, aligning the splines. Push the knuckle onto the axle shaft. Lift the lower control arm and insert the ball joint stud into the knuckle. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification (typically 76 Nm / 56 lb-ft, but verify in service manual). Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud.
12. 12

    Install axle nut
    Place the washer onto the axle shaft, then thread the new 32mm axle nut onto the shaft. Do not fully torque yet. Hand tighten the nut to pull the axle shaft through the hub splines and seat it properly. The nut will be torqued after the vehicle is lowered.
13. 13

    Reinstall brake components
    Install the brake rotor onto the hub studs. Apply thread locker to the caliper bracket bolt threads. Install the caliper bracket and tighten the two 19mm bolts to 120 Nm (88 lb-ft). Place the brake caliper over the rotor and into the bracket. Install the caliper slide pin bolts and tighten to specification (typically 35 Nm, verify in service manual).
14. 14

    Reinstall ABS sensor
    Apply a thin coat of fresh brake grease to the ABS sensor O-ring if equipped. Insert the sensor straight into the knuckle bore until fully seated. Connect the electrical connector. Install the 10mm sensor mounting bolt and tighten to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft). Route the sensor wire in its original position and secure any clips.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Final torque and secure wheel
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground. Have a helper apply the brakes or use a pry bar to prevent hub rotation. Torque the 32mm axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). Install a new cotter pin through the axle nut and axle shaft hole, or stake the nut collar into the shaft groove per manufacturer specification. Lower the vehicle completely. Torque wheel lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
    ⚠The axle nut MUST be secured with a new cotter pin or properly staked. Failure to do so can result in the nut loosening and wheel separation.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification in the order listed
2. Ensure axle nut is properly secured with cotter pin or staked
3. Verify ABS sensor is fully seated and connector is secured
4. Ensure brake caliper is not hanging by brake hose

Verification

• Rotate the wheel by hand to verify smooth rotation with no binding or grinding noises
• Check that there is no axial play in the hub by attempting to move the wheel in and out
• Verify the ABS warning light is off after starting the vehicle
• Test drive at low speed and verify no vibration, noise, or pulling
• Perform a brake test at low speed to ensure proper brake function
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle