How to Replace Rear Wheel Bearing & Hub 06-17 Toyota RAV4

Difficulty: Advanced · About 140 min · Toyota Rav4

Replace the rear wheel hub and bearing on a 2006–2017 Toyota RAV4, removing the brake assembly and axle nut before fitting the new hub and checking brake operation.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel and brake assembly

   Loosen the lug nuts with the vehicle on the ground, then raise and support it securely. Remove the wheel, caliper bolts, pads, bracket, and rotor, supporting the caliper so its hose is not strained.

2. Remove the axle nut and hub

   Unstake the axle nut with a punch and remove it using the 30 mm socket. Unplug and remove the ABS sensor, then remove the four hub bolts and draw the old hub from the knuckle; use a puller if corrosion holds it.

3. Install the replacement hub

   Clean the hub mating face and axle splines. Align the new hub with the ABS sensor opening, install its bolts, and tighten them in a crossing pattern to the vehicle's specification.

4. Secure the axle and reconnect the sensor

   Install a new axle nut if required, tighten it to specification while preventing the hub from turning, and stake the nut into the axle groove. Reinstall the ABS sensor and secure its wiring away from moving parts.

5. Reassemble the brakes

   Clean the rotor and pad contact hardware, lubricating only the intended sliding points. Refit the rotor, bracket, pads, and caliper, then tighten the fasteners to the vehicle's specifications.

6. Install the wheel and verify the brakes

   Refit the wheel, tighten its lug nuts by hand, lower the vehicle, and torque the nuts to specification. Press the brake pedal until firm, check the brake fluid level, and confirm ABS wiring is clear before a cautious low-speed test.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.