Symptoms
A hum or growl that changes with speed, play in the front wheel, an ABS light.
The fix, step by step
- Pull the wheel, unbolt the ABS and brake-line bracket, remove the caliper (two 17 mm bolts — support it, don't hang it) and the rotor.
- Pop off the dust cap, remove cotter pin and nut cap, and break the axle nut with a 35 mm socket.
- Remove the four 17 mm hub bolts (open-end wrench only), tap the axle free with a soft drift, and pry the hub off evenly.
- Replace the knuckle dust seal while you're there, then reassemble to factory torque specs.
Tools & part numbers
- 35 mm socket
- 17 mm sockets and wrench
- breaker bar or impact
- soft drift
- new hub assembly
- knuckle dust seal
Where to buy the parts
Wheel bearing & hub assemblies — 2005 4Runner catalogRockAuto ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Toyota 4Runner 4th Gen parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.