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Toyota Highlander Wheel Hubs

Toyota Highlander Wheel hubs

Wheel hubs for your Toyota Highlander start at $20.95, and AutoBuffy stocks 7 options from SKP and Dorman. The wheel hub is the machined bearing assembly that lets your wheel spin freely around a fixed axle while supporting the vehicle's weight. When it fails, you risk uneven tire wear, ABS errors, and — in severe cases — a wheel separating from the vehicle.

Signs your Toyota Highlander needs a new wheel hub

  • A grinding, growling, or humming noise that changes pitch as you turn the steering wheel or shift lanes
  • Steering wheel vibration or a shudder felt through the floorboard at highway speeds
  • ABS warning light or traction-control light triggered by a failing wheel-speed sensor built into the hub
  • Loose or wobbly wheel with detectable play when you grab the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock and rock it
  • Uneven or cupped tire wear on one side that isn't explained by alignment or inflation issues
  • Clicking or snapping noise during low-speed turns, especially in a parking lot or tight maneuver

Which wheel hub should you buy for your Toyota Highlander?

The most important decisions are whether to match the original hub design (bolt-in hub-and-bearing assembly vs. a serviceable hub with a separate bearing), which axle position you need, and whether the replacement includes an integrated ABS wheel-speed sensor ring. Most modern Toyota Highlander applications use a sealed hub-and-bearing unit, so the grades below apply to that style.

Economy / Value
Best for
High-mileage vehicles or budget repairs where longevity is secondary
What you get
Meets OE fit and function at the lowest cost; adequate for normal daily driving but may have a shorter service life than premium units
OE-Replacement / Mid-Grade
Best for
Most daily drivers and the best value for the majority of Toyota Highlander owners
What you get
Matches original bearing preload, ABS tone ring tooth count, and flange dimensions; typically includes a multi-year warranty
Premium / Performance
Best for
High-mileage haulers, tow vehicles, or drivers who want the longest possible service interval
What you get
Upgraded sealing, higher-grade steel races, and tighter tolerances; often backed by a lifetime or extended warranty
Position-Specific (Front vs. Rear)
Best for
Ensuring correct ABS sensor orientation and correct flange bolt pattern for the axle
What you get
Front hubs carry steering knuckle loads and often use a larger bearing; rear hubs on driven axles include provisions for axle spline engagement — never interchange positions

Wheel hubs brands we stock for your Toyota Highlander

SKP
4 options · from $20.95
Dorman
3 options · from $56.95

Replacing a wheel hub on a Toyota Highlander

Moderate⏱ 1–2 hours per cornerFloor jack and jack stands or a vehicle liftImpact wrench or breaker bar (for lug nuts and axle nut)Socket set and combination wrenchesRubber mallet or dead-blow hammerTorque wrench

After safely lifting the Toyota Highlander and removing the wheel, you will separate the brake caliper and rotor to access the hub mounting bolts at the knuckle. On driven axles, a large axle nut must be loosened first; the old hub often requires firm persuasion with a mallet to break free from the knuckle bore. Seat the new hub flush against the knuckle, thread all fasteners by hand before torquing them in a cross pattern to the manufacturer's specification found in a service manual for your specific Toyota Highlander.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace wheel hubs on a Toyota Highlander?
Parts alone start at $20.95 for a single hub on your Toyota Highlander. A shop will typically add one to two hours of labor per corner. Replacing both hubs on the same axle at once is common practice and can reduce total labor cost compared to two separate visits.
How long do wheel hubs last on a Toyota Highlander?
Sealed hub-and-bearing assemblies generally last anywhere from 75,000 to 150,000 miles, but that range varies widely based on road conditions, exposure to water and road salt, and whether the vehicle frequently tows or carries heavy loads. Potholes and curb strikes accelerate wear significantly.
Can I drive my Toyota Highlander with a bad wheel hub?
You should not drive on a confirmed bad wheel hub beyond what is necessary to get the vehicle to a repair shop. A worn hub reduces steering control, can cause ABS to malfunction, and — if the bearing collapses completely — can result in the wheel separating from the vehicle at speed, which is a serious safety hazard.
Do I need to replace wheel hubs in pairs on my Toyota Highlander?
It is not mechanically required, but many technicians recommend replacing both hubs on the same axle at the same time. If one hub has failed due to age or mileage, the opposite hub has experienced identical stress and is likely near the end of its service life as well, making a paired replacement cost-effective.
Will a bad wheel hub on my Toyota Highlander cause the ABS light to come on?
Yes. Most modern hub assemblies include a pressed-in or integrated ABS wheel-speed sensor ring. As the bearing wears, the sensor gap changes or the tone ring becomes damaged, sending erratic speed signals to the ABS module. Replacing the hub typically resolves the fault code and clears the warning light.
Is replacing a wheel hub on a Toyota Highlander a DIY job?
A front or rear hub swap is within reach for a mechanically confident DIYer with basic tools and a safe lift setup. The job is more involved on driven axles where the hub is retained by a large axle nut requiring significant torque, but it does not require specialized dealer equipment in most cases.

Shop wheel hubs by year for the Toyota Highlander

2013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001

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Wheel hubs for other Toyota models

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