Wheel Bearing: Testing and Inspection

WHEEL BEARING INSPECTION

NOTE:Inspect the tires for cupping. A tire with cupping wear can duplicate a bearing noise.

2WD vehicles

1. Raise the vehicle until the tire is off the floor. See Lifting.

2.
NOTE:Make sure the wheel rotates freely and the brake pads are retracted sufficiently to allow movement of the tire and wheel assembly.Grasp each front tire at the top and bottom and move the wheel inward and outward while lifting the weight of the tire off the front wheel bearing.

3. If the tire and wheel (hub) is loose on the wheel spindle.

- Adjust the front wheel bearings. See Adjustments.

4WD vehicles

NOTE:An assistant will be needed for this procedure.

- This procedure also includes the hub removal and installation references.

1. Position the vehicle on a hoist. See Lifting.

2. Carry out the following steps:

- Engage the transfer case to the 4H position.
- With the vehicle in DRIVE, run the vehicle to 40 km (25 mph).






1.
NOTE:If the vehicle is equipped with a limited slip front axle, both the wheels will be turning. Evaluate both wheels at this time, then continue to Step 8.Evaluate the front wheel that is turning.

- Place the stethoscope on the knuckle near the wheel bearing.
- Make a mental note of the sound.
- Using the brakes, stop the wheels from turning.






1.
NOTE:If the vehicle is equipped with a limited slip front axle, do not hold the wheel. Evaluate both simultaneously. Go to Step 8.Evaluate the other front wheel.

- While holding the previously evaluated wheel, run the vehicle to 40 km (25 mph). Release the wheel being held.
- Place the stethoscope on the knuckle near the wheel bearing.
- Make a mental note of the sound.
- Using the brakes, stop the wheels from turning.

2. Compare the results.

- If one side sounds significantly louder than the other, go to Step 9.
- If both sides sound equally loud, go to Step 9.
- If both sides sound similar (not loud or noisy), wheel bearings are OK.






1.
NOTE:Make sure the wheel rotates freely.
NOTE:Rotate the hub-locks to the unlocked position.
Carry out the following steps for the wheel bearing endplay setup:

- Install the (SST 100-D002 or equivalent) to the knuckle.
- Place the probe on the brake disc where the splash shield has a "V" opening.
- Make sure the probe can move in a lateral direction.
- Tighten the neck of the probe.











1. Carry out the following steps for the wheel bearing endplay:

- Push the wheel inward at the 6 o'clock position.
- Set the dial indicator to zero.
- Pull the wheel outward at the 6 o'clock position.
- Record the measurement.
- Repeat this step 3 to 5 times.

- If the wheel bearing endplay is greater than 0.13 mm (0.005 inch), install a new wheel bearing.
- If the wheel bearing endplay is less than 0.13 mm (0.005 inch), the wheel bearing is within specification. Go to the next step.

2. Remove the wheel hub. See Service and Repair.






1. Carry out the following steps for the wheel bearing roughness/noise inspection:

- With the wheel hub unit on a bench, rotate the outer flange of the wheel bearing while applying downward pressure.

- If the wheel bearing rotates freely, without roughness, check the bearing for noise.
- If the wheel bearing does not rotate freely, install a new bearing.

- Rotate the outer flange of the wheel bearing while applying downward pressure. Using a stethoscope, check the wheel bearing for noise.

- If the wheel bearing rotates freely, without noise, the wheel bearing is OK. Conduct a diagnosis on other suspect components or systems.
- If the wheel bearing does not rotate without noise, install a new bearing.






1. Install the wheel hub. See Service and Repair.

2. Test the system for normal operation.