Wheel Bearing - Press-In Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a press-in rear wheel bearing on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4 FWD, requiring hub pressing equipment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (if staked type) × 1 — 90179-30032 or equivalent
• Cotter pin (if pinned type) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Non-chlorinated preferred

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. If axle nut is staked type, use chisel to unstake the crimped portion while wheel is on ground
5. Loosen (but do not remove) axle nut while vehicle is on ground using breaker bar
6. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
7. Remove rear wheel completely
8. Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the rear knuckle. Remove the 10mm bolt securing the sensor. Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the knuckle bore to avoid damaging the sensor tip. Secure the sensor and wiring harness out of the work area.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove axle nut
   With the vehicle weight still off the hub, fully remove the 30mm axle nut that was previously loosened. If equipped with a cotter pin, remove and discard it first. If the nut is staked, ensure the staking is fully cleared. Mark the hub position relative to the axle for reference.
   ℹ️The axle nut must be replaced if it is the staked type. Cotter pin type nuts can be reused if in good condition, but a new cotter pin is required.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two brake caliper mounting bolts and carefully hang the caliper from the suspension using wire or a bungee cord - do not let it hang by the brake hose. Slide the brake rotor off the hub. If the rotor is stuck, thread two 8mm bolts into the threaded holes on the rotor face to press it off.
   ⚠Never let the brake caliper hang by the hydraulic hose as this can cause internal hose damage.
4. 4

   Remove hub assembly from knuckle
   Remove the four 14mm hub mounting bolts from the back side of the knuckle. These bolts pass through the backing plate and into the hub. Carefully pull the hub assembly straight out from the knuckle. If stuck, tap evenly around the perimeter with a rubber mallet. The backing plate will remain with the knuckle.
   Torque spec

   Hub Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Inspect hub and knuckle bearing bore
   Clean the hub mounting surface and knuckle bearing bore thoroughly with brake cleaner and a wire brush. Inspect the bearing bore for scoring, damage, or corrosion. Inspect the hub flange for cracks or damage. Replace the knuckle if the bearing bore is damaged. Check that the snap ring groove inside the bearing bore is clean and undamaged.
   ⚠Any damage to the bearing bore will cause premature bearing failure. The knuckle must be replaced if the bore is scored or out of round.
6. 6

   Remove bearing snap ring
   Using snap ring pliers, remove the snap ring from the inner groove of the knuckle bearing bore. The snap ring retains the bearing in the knuckle. Set the snap ring aside for reuse - inspect it for deformation or damage and replace if necessary.
7. 7

   Press out old bearing
   Place the knuckle on a hydraulic press with proper support blocks positioned to support the knuckle around the bearing bore without contacting the bearing inner race. Using an appropriately sized bearing driver that contacts only the outer race, press the bearing out of the knuckle. Apply steady, even pressure. The bearing will require significant force to remove.
   ⚠️Never press on the inner race when removing a bearing. The knuckle must be supported properly or it will crack. Always wear safety glasses when using a press.
   ⚠The bearing driver must contact only the outer race to prevent knuckle damage.
8. 8

   Clean bearing bore and prepare for installation
   Thoroughly clean the bearing bore with brake cleaner and a lint-free cloth. Remove all old grease, dirt, and debris. Inspect the bore again for any damage. Apply a thin coat of clean engine oil or assembly lube to the bearing bore to aid installation. Ensure the snap ring groove is completely clean.
9. 9

   Press in new bearing
   Position the new bearing squarely at the entrance of the knuckle bore with the sealed side facing outward. Place the knuckle on the press with proper support. Using a bearing driver that contacts only the outer race, press the bearing in until it bottoms against the internal stop in the bore. Apply steady, even pressure. Do not press on the inner race or seal.
   ⚠️The bearing must be pressed in perfectly square to the bore. Any cocking will damage the bearing and knuckle. Press only on the outer race.
   ℹ️You will feel the bearing seat when it bottoms out in the bore. Do not continue pressing after the bearing is fully seated.
10. 10

    Install bearing snap ring
    Install the snap ring into the groove in the knuckle bearing bore using snap ring pliers. Ensure the snap ring is fully seated in the groove around its entire circumference. Tug on the snap ring to verify it is secure. The snap ring retains the bearing and must be fully engaged.
    ⚠The snap ring must be fully seated in the groove. An improperly installed snap ring can allow the bearing to walk out during operation.
11. 11

    Install hub assembly to knuckle
    Clean the hub mounting surface and apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the hub pilot surface. Carefully align the hub with the bearing inner race and press or tap it into place until it seats fully. Install the four hub mounting bolts through the backing plate from the rear of the knuckle. Torque the bolts in a cross pattern to specification.
    ℹ️The hub must be pressed or tapped in evenly to avoid cocking it in the bearing. Seat it fully before installing bolts.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
    Clean the hub face and rotor mounting surface with brake cleaner. Install the brake rotor onto the hub, aligning any previous marks if reusing. Install the brake caliper and torque the caliper mounting bolts to specification. Ensure the brake pads are properly positioned over the rotor.
13. 13

    Install and torque axle nut
    Install a new axle nut (if staked type) or reuse the old nut with a new cotter pin (if pinned type). Thread the nut onto the axle by hand. Torque the axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). If using a staked nut, stake the nut collar into the axle groove using a punch. If using a cotter pin type, align the nearest slot and install a new cotter pin, bending the ends properly.
    ⚠The axle nut must be torqued to specification and properly secured. An improperly torqued or secured nut can cause wheel bearing failure or wheel separation.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall ABS sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor tip and the sensor bore in the knuckle with brake cleaner. Inspect the sensor tip for damage. Apply a small amount of fresh high-temperature grease to the sensor O-ring. Insert the sensor straight into the bore until it seats. Install the sensor mounting bolt and torque to specification.
    ℹ️The sensor must be clean and fully seated. Any debris or improper installation will cause ABS faults.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install wheel and perform final torque
    Install the wheel onto the hub, aligning the lug holes. Thread all lug nuts on by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification in the correct sequence
2. Verify the axle nut is properly staked or pinned per the factory method
3. Check that the ABS sensor is fully seated and secured
4. Verify no tools or parts are left in the wheel well

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noises from the rear wheel bearing
• Perform several moderate brake applications to verify proper brake operation
• Check for ABS warning lights on the instrument cluster - clear any stored codes if present
• After 50-100 miles, re-check the wheel lug nut torque
• Verify no wheel play by attempting to rock the wheel with hands at 12 and 6 o'clock positions with vehicle on ground
• Listen for any grinding, humming, or growling noises that would indicate bearing issues

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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