🔧 Wheel Bearing - Front Hub/Bearing Replacement

This procedure covers the front wheel bearing on your Corolla, which is serviced as a complete hub and bearing assembly. On this car, the bearing is not pressed out at the wheel; the full hub unit is replaced from the steering knuckle.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours per side

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the car with jack stands before working underneath it.
• Chock the rear wheels and keep the transmission in gear with the parking brake set.
• The axle nut is very tight; use a breaker bar and keep the car on the ground for loosening.
• If your ABS sensor wiring is in the work area, unplug it carefully to avoid damage.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• 21mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Socket extension
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Hammer
• Rubber mallet
• Penetrating oil
• Axle nut socket
• Hub puller or slide hammer (specialty)
• Bungee cord
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wheel hub and bearing assembly - Qty: 1 per side
• Axle nut - Qty: 1 per side
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can
• Anti-seize compound - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground.
• Set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the wheel lug nuts before lifting the car.
• Loosen the axle nut before lifting the car if it is still installed and the wheel is on the ground.
• Keep the steering straight for easier reassembly.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the wheel and axle nut

• Use a 21mm socket to loosen the lug nuts slightly.
• Use the correct axle nut socket and a breaker bar to loosen the axle nut while the car is on the ground.
• Torque during install: 216 Nm (159 ft-lbs)

Step 2: Raise and secure the car

• Use a floor jack to lift the front of the car.
• Place the car securely on jack stands.
• Remove the wheel with a 21mm socket.

Step 3: Remove the brake caliper and rotor

• Use a 14mm socket to remove the caliper slide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off and hang it with a bungee cord.
• Use a 17mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts if needed for rotor removal.
• Remove the rotor by hand. If stuck, tap it gently with a rubber mallet.
• Torque during install: Caliper slide bolts 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs)
• Torque during install: Caliper bracket bolts 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs)

Step 4: Disconnect the ABS sensor

• Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor wire on the knuckle.
• Use a 10mm socket or small trim tool if a retaining bolt or clip is present.
• Unclip the harness carefully so it does not get twisted or stretched.

Step 5: Remove the axle from the hub

• Remove the axle nut completely with the axle nut socket.
• Apply penetrating oil around the axle splines.
• Push the axle inward by hand.
• If it is stuck, tap the end of the axle lightly with a hammer and a soft drift.
• Do not damage the axle threads.

Step 6: Remove the hub assembly

• Use a 14mm socket to remove the hub mounting bolts from the back of the knuckle.
• Use a hub puller or slide hammer (specialty) if the hub is rusted in place.
• Remove the old hub and bearing assembly from the knuckle.

Step 7: Clean and install the new hub

• Clean the knuckle mounting surface with brake cleaner.
• Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the mating surface.
• Install the new hub and bearing assembly by hand.
• Install the hub bolts with a 14mm socket.
• Torque to 59 Nm (44 ft-lbs)

Step 8: Reinstall the axle nut, brakes, and wheel

• Slide the axle back through the new hub.
• Install a new axle nut by hand.
• Reinstall the rotor and caliper parts with a 14mm socket and 17mm socket.
• Reinstall the wheel.
• Tighten the axle nut after the car is back on the ground.
• Torque to 216 Nm (159 ft-lbs)
• Torque wheel lug nuts to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs)

Step 9: Final check

• Spin the wheel by hand to check for smooth movement.
• Press the brake pedal several times before moving the car.
• Check that the ABS wire is clipped back in place.

---

✅ After Repair

• Test drive at low speed first.
• Listen for noise changes while turning left and right.
• Recheck lug nut torque after a short drive.
• If the ABS light stays on, scan for codes and inspect the sensor wiring.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $90-$180 (parts only)

You Save: $260-$470 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.