Wheel Bearing: Testing and Inspection

Front Bearing Diagnosis:

The most obvious clue to bearings that need replacing is the presence of noise that occurs only when making a turn. To diagnosis the bearings:

1. Road test the car on a smooth road. Make sharp turns to the right and left.

^ If the car makes noises on right turns, the left bearing probably needs replacement.

^ If the car makes noises on left turns, the right bearing probably needs replacement.

^ If bearing noise is heard on either right or left turns, the hub and bearing assembly on the suspected side should be disassembled and inspected.

2. Raise the front of the vehicle and check for loose front bearings by rocking the tires at top and bottom.

Front Bearing Diagnosis.:

3. Spin the tire quickly by hand and make sure the tire turns smoothly with no abnormal noises from the bearings.

Hanging Brake Caliper:

NOTE: Be careful not to confuse lower ball joint looseness with bearing looseness.

If abnormal looseness or noise is found, disassemble the hub and knuckle, inspect the bearings, and adjust the bearing preload.

4. Remove the wheel and remove the disc brake caliper. Hang the caliper from the coil spring using a cord or piece of wire.

Checking End Play With Dial Indicator.:

5. Position a Dial Indicator Tool-4201-C against the wheel hub, then push and pull the wheel hub. Measure the end play of the wheel hub and bearing assembly. If the end play exceeds the specified limit, replace the bearings.