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Toyota Camry 2007-2011: How to Replace Wheel Bearing

Keeping your Camry's wheel bearings in shape is a must, but what important details do you need to know?

By Jerry Perez - August 7, 2015

This article applies to the 6th generation Toyota Camry (2007-2011).

Driving your Camry is an easy task, but that's only because a ton of complex components and parts make it so. The wheel bearings housed in all four of your wheels allow the tires to spin freely at any speed. Wheel bearings resist friction and are exposed to high amounts of heat; therefore, as the odometer in your Camry increases, so does the need to replace the bearings. Replacing the bearings will require you to remove the wheels and brake assembly, so if you're not comfortable doing the job yourself, you could always have it done at your local dealership or repair shop.

Materials Needed

  • Hydraulic floor jack and jack stands
  • Tire iron
  • 10, 15, and 24mm sockets
  • Ratchet and extension
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Bungee cord
  • 7/16" Allen wrench (optional)

Step 1 – Jack up your car

  • Break the lug nuts free using a tire iron.
  • Use a floor jack to lift the car up, and then set it down on jack stands.
  • Remove all of the lug nuts and the wheel.
Figure 1. Support the car with jack stands.

(Related Article: How to Jack Up Your Car - CamryForums.com)

Step 2 – Remove the brake assembly

Your next step is to get the brake caliper and rotor out of the way.

  • Use a ratchet with 15mm socket to remove the two main caliper bolts.
  • Gently wiggle the caliper off of the rotor and hang it using a bungee cord. Make sure not to put pressure on the brake line.
  • Use a flat head screwdriver to pop off the dust cap and cotter pin.
  • Then use a 24mm socket to remove the axle spindle nut.
  • Lastly, slide the rotor off of the axle and carefully set it aside.
  • Figure 2. Remove the upper and lower caliper bolts.
  • Figure 3. Remove cotter pin and axle spindle nut to remove the rotor.

Step 3 – Remove wheel hub and bearing

  • Using a 7/16" Allen wrench or 10mm socket (depending on your Camry model year), remove the wheel hub.
  • Then pull off the wheel bearing.
Toyota Camry Wheel Hub assembly diagram
Figure 4. Toyota Camry wheel hub assembly diagram. Red square shows the wheel hub (left) and outer bearing (right).

Note

If you are working on the rear axle of your Camry, the bearings are sealed into the hub, so the entire assembly will be replaced.

Step 4 – Install new bearing

Again, if working on the rear axle, the entire assembly will be replaced. If you are working on the front axle, the bearing and hub will be installed separately.

  • Slide on the new wheel bearing and hub.
  • Re-install the brake rotor.
  • Tighten the center nut, replace the cotter pin, and pop the dust cap back on.
  • Mount the caliper and tighten the two bolts.
  • Mount the wheel and tighten the lug nuts.
  • Lower your car to the ground and torque lug nuts to manufacturer's specs.
Figure 5. Wheel hub (left) and bearing (right).

Featured Video: Replacing Rear Wheel Bearing

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