This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 gasoline engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut × 1 — 90179-42052 or equivalent
• Cotter pin (if applicable) or staking nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Generic

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Loosen the 32mm front axle nut while vehicle is on ground (may require breaker bar)
5. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
6. Remove front wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   Completely remove the 32mm front axle nut that was loosened during preparation. Remove and discard the cotter pin if present. This nut will not be reused.
2. 2

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
   Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor electrical connector. Remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the knuckle. Secure the sensor out of the work area to prevent damage.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove brake caliper
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the brake caliper assembly to the steering knuckle. Support the caliper with wire or a zip tie to the strut spring to prevent strain on the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake line.
   ⚠Never let the caliper hang freely by the brake hose. Suspend it securely to avoid hose damage.
4. 4

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the brake rotor from the hub. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use penetrating oil and tap gently with a rubber mallet around the hat section. There may be small retaining screws on some models that must be removed first.
5. 5

   Disconnect lower ball joint
   Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the lower ball joint connection to the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint separator tool to press the ball joint taper out of the knuckle. Apply penetrating oil if necessary.
   ⚠The ball joint separator can release suddenly. Keep hands and face clear of the tool during operation.
6. 6

   Disconnect tie rod end
   Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the outer tie rod end. Use the ball joint separator to disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Be careful not to damage the tie rod boot.
7. 7

   Support the drive axle
   Push the drive axle inboard through the hub to disengage the splines. Support the axle with wire or by resting it on the lower control arm to prevent it from hanging or pulling on the CV joint and transmission seal.
8. 8

   Remove hub mounting bolts
   From the back side of the steering knuckle, locate and remove the four bolts securing the wheel bearing hub assembly to the knuckle. These bolts are accessed from behind the knuckle.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove hub assembly
   Carefully extract the wheel bearing hub assembly from the steering knuckle. If the hub is stuck, tap gently around the perimeter with a brass punch or use a hub puller if necessary. Clean the hub mounting surface on the knuckle thoroughly, removing all rust and debris.
10. 10

    Prepare new hub assembly
    Inspect the new wheel bearing hub assembly to ensure it matches the old unit. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the outer diameter of the new hub where it contacts the knuckle. Clean all mounting bolt threads.
11. 11

    Install new hub assembly
    Insert the new wheel bearing hub assembly into the steering knuckle, ensuring proper alignment. Apply blue threadlocker to the four hub mounting bolt threads as specified. Install and hand-tighten all four bolts before final torquing.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect steering and suspension
    Align the drive axle splines with the hub and push through. Reconnect the tie rod end and lower ball joint to the steering knuckle. Install new castle nuts and torque to specification per vehicle service manual. Install new cotter pins.
13. 13

    Reinstall brake components
    Reinstall the brake rotor onto the new hub. Remove the caliper from its support wire and reinstall the caliper bracket assembly. Apply blue threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolt threads and torque to specification.
14. 14

    Install ABS sensor and axle nut
    Reinstall the ABS wheel speed sensor and torque the mounting bolt to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector. Install the new axle nut and hand-tighten. The final torque will be applied with wheels on the ground.
    Torque spec

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

    Final torquing
    Reinstall the wheel and torque lug nuts to specification. Lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle on the ground and parking brake applied, torque the axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). Stake the axle nut or install a new cotter pin as applicable to your specific model year.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification in the correct sequence
2. Verify the axle nut is properly staked or has a new cotter pin installed
3. Confirm the ABS sensor connector is fully seated and secured
4. Double-check that the brake caliper is not hanging on the brake hose

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no unusual noises from the wheel bearing
• Perform several brake applications to ensure proper brake function
• Verify the ABS warning light does not illuminate on the dashboard
• Check for any vibration or looseness in the steering wheel during driving
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque the wheel lug nuts to specification

More procedures for this vehicle