2020 Toyota RAV4 Wheel Bearing Replacement — Front Hub Assembly, AWD, Step-by-Step
2020 Toyota RAV4 Wheel Bearing Replacement — Front Hub Assembly, AWD
I replaced the front wheel bearing on my 2020 RAV4 at 87,000 miles. The symptom was a low hum that changed pitch with speed and got louder on right-hand turns — classic front wheel bearing failure. The bearing-in-hub assembly is the only serviceable unit on this generation; Toyota does not sell a standalone bearing. Here's exactly how I did it.
Identifying the Failed Bearing
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Get the DIY Mechanic SystemA failing wheel bearing on the 2020 RAV4 will produce:
- A persistent humming or grinding noise that increases with vehicle speed
- Noise that changes tone when you shift weight in a turn (if it gets louder on right turns, the left front bearing is failing — that bearing takes more load in right-hand cornering)
- Possible looseness if the bearing has failed significantly — grab the top and bottom of the wheel, rock it — any play with the car on stands indicates a failed bearing
Parts and Specs
| Item | Spec |
|---|---|
| Hub assembly OEM (front, left or right) | Toyota 43502-0R060 (or superseded number — verify by VIN) |
| Aftermarket hub assembly | Moog 513373, SKF BR930909K |
| Axle nut size | 35mm hex |
| Axle nut torque | 159 ft-lb (215 Nm) |
| Axle nut type | New nut required — prevailing-torque (single use) |
| Brake caliper bolt torque (upper) | 79 ft-lb (108 Nm) |
| Brake caliper bracket bolt torque | 98 ft-lb (133 Nm) |
| Knuckle-to-strut bolts torque | 155 ft-lb (210 Nm) |
| Lower ball joint nut torque | 76 ft-lb (103 Nm) |
| Wheel lug nut torque | 76 ft-lb (103 Nm) |
Important: The axle nut (35mm) is a prevailing-torque nut — single use. Always install a new one. Toyota 90185-12001 or quality-brand equivalent.
Tools Required
- Floor jack + jack stands
- Impact wrench or breaker bar + 35mm socket
- 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm sockets
- Torque wrench (200+ ft-lb capacity for axle nut)
- Ball joint separator
- Hammer + punch
- Anti-seize compound
- New axle nut (Toyota 90185-12001)
- Wire brush for hub bore cleaning
- Hub press tool kit (2–5 ton capacity)
Step-by-Step Procedure
1. Loosen the Axle Nut (Wheel on Ground)
Before lifting the vehicle, loosen the 35mm axle nut with the wheel on the ground — the weight of the car prevents the hub from spinning. Break it loose but don't remove.
2. Lift and Secure the Vehicle
Raise the vehicle and secure on jack stands. Remove the wheel and tire.
3. Remove the Brake Caliper
Remove caliper slide pin bolts (12mm), hang caliper with wire. Remove caliper bracket bolts (19mm). Remove brake rotor.
4. Remove the Axle Nut
Remove the 35mm axle nut completely. Discard — use a new nut.
5. Disconnect the Lower Ball Joint
Remove the castle nut (17mm or 19mm) and use a ball joint press to separate the ball joint stud from the knuckle.
6. Separate the Strut from the Knuckle
Remove the two knuckle-to-strut pinch bolts (17mm). The knuckle is now free to pivot.
7. Remove the Knuckle / Hub Assembly
Push the CV axle shaft inward to free it from the hub splines. A soft-face hammer tap on the shaft end may be needed. Manipulate the knuckle/hub assembly off and set on your workbench.
8. Replace the Hub Assembly
Press the old hub bearing unit out of the knuckle bore from behind. Clean the bore with a wire brush. Apply thin film of clean grease to the bore. Press the new assembly in from the front until fully seated (flush or slightly below flush with the knuckle bore face).
9. Reinstall the Knuckle
Slide knuckle back onto CV axle shaft. Thread new axle nut on by hand. Re-engage knuckle onto strut, install pinch bolts — torque to 155 ft-lb (210 Nm). Reconnect lower ball joint — torque to 76 ft-lb (103 Nm).
10. Torque the Axle Nut
Torque new 35mm axle nut to 159 ft-lb (215 Nm). No exceptions on this spec.
11. Reinstall Brakes and Wheel
Reinstall rotor, caliper bracket (98 ft-lb), caliper (79 ft-lb), wheel, and lug nuts (76 ft-lb). Lower the vehicle.
12. Test Drive
Drive 0–15 mph and listen for any residual noise. A slight initial noise for the first few miles as the new bearing seats is acceptable.
Common Mistakes
1. Reusing the axle nut. The prevailing-torque axle nut is single-use. Never reuse it.
2. Under-torquing the axle nut. 159 ft-lb requires a torque wrench. An under-torqued axle nut allows hub micromovement and kills the new bearing.
3. Not pressing the bearing fully home. An incompletely pressed bearing will fail rapidly. Check with a straightedge that it's flush or below flush.
4. Diagnosing the wrong side. If noise worsens in a right-hand turn, the left bearing is failing. If noise worsens in left-hand turns, the right bearing is failing.
Cost Comparison
| DIY | Toyota Dealer | |
|---|---|---|
| Hub assembly (Moog or OEM) | $80–$150 | — |
| Labor | $0 | $250–$400 |
| Total | $80–$150 | $330–$550 |
You're saving $250–$400 per bearing. High-value DIY job on the RAV4.
For more RAV4 maintenance, see the 2019 Toyota RAV4 spark plug replacement guide. Browse 28+ repair procedures at OwnerDrop.
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Written by OwnerDrop Team
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