Wheel Bearing Hub - Rear

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (single use) × 1 — 90179-40033 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground (do not remove)
3. Loosen but do not remove the axle nut while vehicle is on ground with brakes applied
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer specified lift points
5. Remove rear wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   With the vehicle raised and wheel removed, completely remove the previously loosened 30mm axle nut. Discard the old nut as it cannot be reused.
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper bracket
   Remove the two 14mm caliper bracket bolts from the rear of the knuckle assembly. Remove the entire caliper and bracket assembly as one unit. Support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord to prevent strain on the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake line.
   ⚠Support the caliper assembly to prevent damage to the brake hose
3. 3

   Remove brake rotor
   If the rotor has retaining screws, remove them with a Phillips screwdriver. Slide the brake rotor off the hub. If stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap it loose. If severely rusted, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak before removal.
4. 4

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the rear knuckle. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove the 10mm ABS sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the knuckle. Set aside in a clean location.
   ⚠Handle ABS sensor carefully to avoid damage to the sensor tip
5. 5

   Remove hub bolts from rear
   Access the four 12mm hub mounting bolts from the rear side of the knuckle assembly. These bolts pass through the knuckle from behind and secure the hub assembly. Remove all four bolts completely.
6. 6

   Remove hub assembly
   Pull the hub assembly straight out from the front of the knuckle. If the hub is stuck, tap it gently with a brass punch or soft mallet from behind. The hub should separate from the knuckle along with the inner bearing race if present. Remove the axle shaft from the center of the hub.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface on the knuckle using a wire brush and shop towels. Remove all rust, debris, and old corrosion. Clean the four bolt holes and ensure threads are clean and undamaged. A clean mounting surface is critical for proper bearing function.
8. 8

   Install new hub assembly
   Inspect the new hub assembly to ensure it matches the old unit. Slide the axle shaft through the new hub assembly and align the hub with the mounting surface on the knuckle. Ensure the ABS tone ring faces outward and the bolt holes align properly.
9. 9

   Install and torque hub bolts
   Install all four hub mounting bolts from the rear of the knuckle. Thread them in by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Tighten the bolts in a crossing pattern to 102 Nm (75 lb-ft) using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

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

    Reinstall ABS sensor
    Insert the ABS wheel speed sensor into its bore in the knuckle. Install the 10mm mounting bolt and torque to 11 Nm (8 lb-ft). Reconnect the electrical connector ensuring it clicks into place.
11. 11

    Reinstall brake rotor
    Clean the hub face with brake cleaner. Slide the brake rotor onto the hub studs. If equipped with retaining screws, install them snugly but do not overtighten as they are only for assembly purposes.
12. 12

    Reinstall brake caliper bracket
    Position the brake caliper and bracket assembly over the rotor and align with the mounting holes on the knuckle. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolt threads. Install both 14mm bolts and torque to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) in a crossing pattern.
13. 13

    Install new axle nut
    Install the new 30mm axle nut onto the axle shaft and thread it on by hand. Do not torque at this time. The final torque will be applied with the vehicle on the ground.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and thread lug nuts on by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to seat the wheel. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded.
15. 15

    Final torque specifications
    With the vehicle on the ground and brakes applied, torque the axle nut to 108 Nm (80 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Lower the vehicle completely. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 108 Nm (80 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify ABS sensor electrical connector is fully seated
3. Pump brake pedal several times to ensure proper brake function before driving

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noise from the rear wheel bearing
• Check for ABS warning lights on the dashboard indicating sensor issues
• Verify no brake fluid leaks around caliper connections
• Listen for humming, grinding, or growling noises that would indicate improper installation
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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