Michael Lamers

I had to change a noisey rear left bearing. There are a few questions and answers on this thread: http://au.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/55681-rav4-rear-bearing-removal/?tab=comments#comment-567884

I couldn't loosen the retaining nut despite trying all of the suggestions. I was lucky, took it to the mechanic next door to my work, he supplied and fitted a new one for $265. Considering the Toyota dealership wanted over $500, I was pretty happy.

The Toyota dealer said it was a 1 hour 15 minute job. Search Youtube and you'll find a 17 minute video. I reckon I would have had it done in 30 to 40 minutes - if I could have got the effing nut off.

Let us know what you do.

23 hours ago, trentmeyer23 said:

Unbraked 750kg

Braked 1500kg

You are going to feel the hurt if you are towing 1500kg though.

Thanks Trent, but I already knew the technical answer from the vehicle specs.  And, yes 1500kg is gunna hurt, really hurt I suspect. 

I'm thinking of a camper around 750kg, add 150 - 200kg of extras - all up under 1000kg.   I wondered if there were any members willing to share their experiences with that sort of combination.

I'm really interested to see what others tow with their RAV4, because that's what I intend to do, but thoughts and ideas from anyone will be welcome. 

So far no effort towing this little camper:

That's probably because it's a light weight (Tare 120kg) Elite motorcycle camper.  The Honda ST1300 handles it quite well: 

So the RAV4's 2.4litre, 5 speed manual was fine.  Not so behind the Mazda6, 5 speed auto.   In auto, it kept hunting for a suitable gear, had to drive it like a manual - 1st world problem aye!

I can check the RAV's specs and find out what's recommended, but rather than know what it can handle "in theory", I want some firsthand knowledge of your real experiences. 

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. 

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. 

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?

I have damp carpet and underfelt in the cargo area of my 2005 RAV4 Cruiser.  Only had this RAV for a few weeks, it wasn't damp when I bought it.  For the first week it was parked outside with the rear pointing downhill (a decent slope in the driveway) and it rained pretty solid here for the week.

Seeing as this problem has only just developed I'm figuring the sunroof was not closed properly and water got in there.  I'm also thinking that even though water got it, it should have drained out through drain tubes in the C pillar.  There is reference to this on this website http://www.torquenews.com/1083/if-passenger-floor-your-rav4-wet-here-fix

Before I start pulling off interior trim, etc. from around the C pillar and looking for these drain tubes, any advice from other RAV4 owners here would be appreciated.