Replacement of Front Wheel Hub Bearings

Replacement Note: The front hub bearing removal procedure will damage the bearings. For this reason, remove the bearings only for replacement. A puller, a slide hammer with adapter, a set of pipes of various diameters, and, if possible, a press are required to press out the bearings. If you do not have these tools, it is better to contact a service station. Under no circumstances attempt to drive the bearings into place, as this will damage them!

• · Remove the steering knuckle.
• · Using a screwdriver, remove the dust cap from the inside of the steering knuckle. · Remove the oil seal from the inside of the steering knuckle. A suitable puller or a slide hammer with adapter may be required.
• · Using a puller, remove the snap ring from the inside of the knuckle. · On all models (except models with 3S-GE engine), remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint nut of the steering knuckle. Loosen the nut to the end of the thread, and use a puller to press the ball joint out of the knuckle.
• · Using a puller or a sliding slide hammer, press the hub out of the steering knuckle. The outer bearing race will remain in the hub.
• · Support the outer bearing race on two thin plates and drive out or press the outer race out of the hub using a length of pipe or a drift. · Remove the mounting bolts and remove the brake dust shield from the steering knuckle.
• · Remove the oil seal from the outer side of the steering knuckle. A puller or a sliding slide hammer with an adapter may be required for this.
• · Support the inner side of the steering knuckle and press the bearing out of it using a drift or a length of pipe matching the outer race diameter.
• · Thoroughly clean the hub mating surfaces.
• · Support the outer side of the steering knuckle and press the new bearing into it using a length of pipe or a drift matching the outer race diameter. · Secure the bearing with the new snap ring, making sure it is fully seated in its groove.
• · Install the new oil seal on the outer side of the steering knuckle by lightly tapping it in with a hammer and a pipe or drift.
• · Install the brake dust shield and tighten the four mounting bolts securely.
• · Support the outer side of the hub (do not support it on the studs) and press the steering knuckle onto it using a length of pipe or a drift matching the inner bearing race diameter.
• · Where equipped, install the lower ball joint on the steering knuckle and tighten the nut to the specified torque (123 N*m). Insert a new cotter pin and spread its ends. · Using a length of pipe or a drift, press a new oil seal and a new dust cap into the inner side of the steering knuckle. If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, make sure the wheel speed sensor holes in the knuckle and the dust cap are aligned.
• · Install the steering knuckle in place.