Toyota Repair: 2000 RAV4 front wheel bearing repair, replacing wheel bearings, hub assembly


Question
What is involved in replacing wheel bearings in the RAV4?
It seems to be a taboo subject as I have found no web sites describing the repair. Having done a similar job on a Honda Civic which was hard work but possible with a shop press, I don't see the RAV4 being that much more difficult. The only real difference to me seems to be the bearing seals are separate items from the bearing.

Answer
It's actually a little easier than a Honda civic, remove the entire steering knuckle with the hub assembly, the hub can be pushed out by using a large drift that fits inside and then hammer it out, There is a snap ring on the inside of the housing, remove it and then press the bearing out, replace the inner seal press the new bearing in and install the snap ring, place the sttering knuckle upside down on the hub supported on the press plate and press the hub/bearing assembly down on the hub until fully seated.