Wheel Bearing: Testing and Inspection

Front Wheel Bearings Diagnosis
Complete this procedure in order to measure the looseness of the front wheel bearings. In order to measure the runout of the wheel bearings, refer to Tire and Wheel Vibration in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction under Steering and Suspension, Testing and Inspection.

^ Tools Required
- J8001 Dial Indicator Set
- J 26900-13 Magnetic Indicator Base

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Use paint in order to mark the position of the wheel in relation to the hub.
3. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.
4. Install the wheel nuts in order to retain the rotor to the hub and to the bearing.
5. Use a C-clamp in order to compress the caliper piston.





6. Install the J 8001 and the J 26900-13 to the strut.
7. Set the J 8001 to zero.
8. Push and pull the rotor. Observe the dial on the J 8001.
9. If the measurement exceeds 0.4 mm (0.016 inch), replace the front wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearing/Hub Replacement - Front in Steering and Suspension.

Important: If the vehicle has ABS, complete this procedure in order to measure the looseness of the rear wheel bearings. If the vehicle does NOT have ABS, refer to Tire and Wheel Vibration in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction under Steering and Suspension, Testing and Inspection. In order to measure the runout of the rear wheel bearings, refer to Tire and Wheel Vibration in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction under Steering and Suspension, Testing and Inspection.

^ Tools Required
- J 8001 Dial Indicator Set
- J26900-13 Magnetic Indicator Base

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Use paint in order to mark the position of the wheel in relation to the hub.
3. Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.

Important: If the vehicle has ABS, the rear wheel bearings are in the hub assembly. If the vehicle does NOT have ABS, the rear wheel bearings are in the brake drum assembly.

4. Remove the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement (Hub Design with ABS) in Brakes and Traction Control.





5. Install the J 8001 and the J 26900-13 to the strut.
6. Set the J 8001 to zero.
7. Push and pull the hub flange. Observe the dial on the J 8001.
8. If the measurement exceeds 0.3 mm (0.012 inch), replace the rear wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearing/Hub Replacement - Rear in Steering and Suspension.