RAV4 Rear Bearing Removal

[Michael Lamers]

Can't seem to loosen / remove the 30mm rear wheel bearing hub retaining nut.  What I've done so far is:

• Removed the rear wheel.
• Removed the brake calipher.
• Removed the split pin and nut retainer.
• Put 30mm socket on the nut, used a 300mm socket drive - nut won't budge.
• Sprayed WD40 over a 24 period, used the 30mm socket and the 300mm socket drive with a pipe extension, bent the socket drive - nut still won't budge.

Where to, what to do next?

[campbeam]

A trick that I recently read about was to use brake fluid for the easy removal of air/fuel sensors. It worked a treat for me.

I would be inclined to either give the brake fluid a go or silicone spray. Hope you have a 7lb hammer to give the pipe extension a few short sharp hits which often works when just steady pressure does not get the desired results.

[trentmeyer23]

Is the wheel spinning at all? If so, pull the centre cap out and put the wheel back on a lower the car to the ground. Undo from there.

If it is not spinning and you have no access to a rattle gun. Place the socket on the nut by itself and belt the crap out of it a few times, rinse and repeat.

I would also suggest buying a 600mm breaker bar similar to the one below. I personally have two of these and they have held up to much bigger stuff than what you are attempting.

https://www.tradetools.com/product-range/hand-tools/sockets-and-sets/force-1-2-dr-600mm-24-breaker-bar-swivel-head

[Michael Lamers]

3 hours ago, campbeam said:

...... brake fluid a go or silicone spray. Hope you have a 7lb hammer to give the pipe extension a few short sharp hits which often works when just steady pressure does not get the desired results.

Would they be much different to the WD40?  I have given it some hard wacks with a heavy mallet. 

[Michael Lamers]

1 hour ago, trentmeyer23 said:

Is the wheel spinning at all? If so, pull the centre cap out and put the wheel back on a lower the car to the ground. Undo from there.

If it is not spinning and you have no access to a rattle gun. Place the socket on the nut by itself and belt the crap out of it a few times, rinse and repeat.

I would also suggest buying a 600mm breaker bar similar to the one below. I personally have two of these and they have held up to much bigger stuff than what you are attempting.

https://www.tradetools.com/product-range/hand-tools/sockets-and-sets/force-1-2-dr-600mm-24-breaker-bar-swivel-head

Hub not spinning (park brake holds firm).  I tried with the wheel back on and RAV lowered to the floor (to steady it, as pulling on the 1.0m pipe extension was moving the RAV around).

I might have to take it to a repairer.  Quote to change the bearing hub was around $175, I was trying to save a few bucks.