Hub/Axle Flange and Wheel Stud Runout Inspection

Tools Required 

J 8001  Dial Indicator Set, or equivalent

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Mark the location of the wheels to the wheel studs and mark the specific vehicle position on each tire and wheel (LF, LR, RF, RR).
3. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies from the vehicle. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
4. Remove the brake rotors from the vehicle, except for full floating type rear drive axles. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement - Front , Brake Rotor Replacement - Rear (Except Dual Wheels or NYS) , Brake Rotor Replacement - Rear (W/Dual Wheels) and Brake Rotor Replacement - Rear (W/NYS) in Disc Brakes.
5. Remove any loose debris or corrosion from the hub/axle flange surface.
6. Position the J 8001  , or equivalent, on the machined surface of the wheel hub/axle flange (or brake rotor on full-floating axles) outside of the wheel studs.
   Fig 1: Measuring Wheel Hub/Axle Flange Runout

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
7. Rotate the hub one complete revolution in order to find the low spot.
8. Set the J 8001  , or equivalent, to zero at the low spot.
9. Rotate the hub one more complete revolution and measure the total amount of wheel hub/axle flange runout.

   Specification (Guideline):  Wheel hub/axle flange runout tolerance guideline: 0.132 mm (0.005 in)

10. If the runout of the wheel hub/axle flange IS within specification, proceed to step 13.
11. If the runout of the wheel hub/axle flange is marginal, the wheel hub may or may not be the source of the disturbance.
12. If the runout of the wheel hub/axle flange is excessive, replace the wheel hub/axle flange. Measure the runout of the new wheel hub/axle flange. Refer to the appropriate procedure:
    • Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement (RWD) or Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement (4WD) in Front Suspension
    • Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6 Inch, 9.5 Inch Axles) or Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (9.75 Inch Axle) in Rear Drive Axle
13. Position the J 8001  , or equivalent, in order to contact the wheel mounting studs.

    Measure the stud runout as close to the flange as possible.

    Fig 2: Measuring Wheel Stud Runout

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
14. Turn the hub one complete revolution to register on each of the wheel studs.
15. Zero the J 8001  , or equivalent, on the lowest stud.
16. Rotate the hub one more complete revolution and measure the total amount of wheel stud (stud circle) runout.

    Specification (Guideline):  Wheel stud runout tolerance guideline: 0.254 mm (0.010 in)

17. If the runout of the wheel studs (stud circle) is marginal, the wheel studs may or may not be contributing to the disturbance.
18. If the runout of the wheel studs (stud circle) is excessive, replace the wheel studs as necessary. Measure the runout of the new wheel studs. Refer to the appropriate procedure:
    • Wheel Stud Replacement in Front Suspension
    • Wheel Stud Replacement in Rear Suspension