Wheel Bearing Hub - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with 2.5L I4 gas engine (FWD).

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (replace if cotter pin type) × 1 — Toyota 90179-30001 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Loosen rear axle nut using 30mm socket and breaker bar while vehicle is on ground (assistant may need to apply brakes)
4. Raise rear of vehicle and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on all fasteners and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear brake caliper assembly
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts using a 17mm socket. Remove the entire caliper and bracket assembly as one unit. Support the caliper using a wire hanger or bungee cord from the suspension. Do not let caliper hang by the brake hose.
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the brake rotor from the hub assembly. If rotor is seized, use two M8 bolts threaded into the threaded holes on the rotor face to press it off. Tap lightly with plastic hammer if necessary.
3. 3

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the rear of the hub assembly. Remove the single 8mm bolt securing the sensor. Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the hub to avoid damaging the sensor tip. Secure sensor away from work area.
   ⚠Do not pry on the ABS sensor or pull by the wiring. Sensor tip is fragile and damage will require replacement.
4. 4

   Remove axle nut completely
   With the vehicle raised, completely remove the 30mm axle nut that was previously loosened. If nut has a cotter pin, remove and discard the cotter pin first. The axle nut should be replaced if it uses a cotter pin style retainer.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove hub mounting bolts
   Access the four hub mounting bolts from behind the hub assembly (backside of the knuckle). These are 12mm bolts. Remove all four bolts completely. Note that these bolts secure the hub to the rear knuckle.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove hub assembly from knuckle
   Pull the hub assembly straight out from the rear knuckle. The axle shaft will slide out of the hub center bore. If hub is stuck, tap evenly around the front face with a plastic hammer. Do not damage the axle shaft or knuckle mounting surface.
   ⚠Support the axle shaft to prevent it from dropping or bending once hub is removed.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface on the rear knuckle. Remove any rust, debris, or old sealant. Clean the axle shaft splines with a wire brush. Inspect the knuckle mounting surface for damage or excessive corrosion.
8. 8

   Install new hub assembly
   Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the axle shaft splines (optional but recommended). Guide the new hub assembly onto the axle shaft, aligning the splines. Push hub assembly into the knuckle, ensuring it seats flush against the mounting surface.
9. 9

   Install and torque hub mounting bolts
   Apply blue threadlocker to the threads of all four hub mounting bolts. Install all four bolts hand-tight first. Torque bolts in a criss-cross pattern to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) to ensure even seating of the hub assembly.
   Torque spec

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

    Install axle nut
    Install the axle nut (new nut if required) and hand-tighten. Do not torque at this time. The axle nut will be torqued with wheels back on ground to prevent hub rotation.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall ABS wheel speed sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor bore in the hub with a clean rag. Apply a small amount of anti-seize or high-temperature grease to the sensor O-ring. Insert sensor straight into the hub until fully seated. Install and torque the 8mm mounting bolt to 11 Nm (8 lb-ft).
12. 12

    Reinstall brake rotor
    Clean the hub face with brake cleaner and a clean cloth. Install the brake rotor onto the hub. Ensure rotor sits flat against hub face with no debris trapped between surfaces.
13. 13

    Reinstall brake caliper assembly
    Apply blue threadlocker to caliper bracket bolt threads. Position the caliper and bracket assembly over the rotor. Install both caliper bracket bolts and torque to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) in a criss-cross pattern.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and final torque
    Install wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern. With vehicle on ground and brakes applied (or assistant holding brake pedal), torque axle nut to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft). Install new cotter pin if applicable.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification and threadlocker has been applied where indicated
2. Verify ABS sensor connector is securely attached and wiring is properly routed away from rotating components
3. Double-check that axle nut is torqued with vehicle on ground to prevent hub damage

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from rear wheel area
• Check that ABS warning light does not illuminate (may require driving above 5-10 mph for system to self-test)
• Verify no wheel bearing play by attempting to rock wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock positions with vehicle raised
• Confirm brake operation is normal with firm pedal feel and no pulsation
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

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