Wheel Bearing Excessive Play Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Mazda 3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the wheel and tire. (See WHEEL AND TIRE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the brake caliper component and disc plate. (See WHEEL HUB, STEERING KNUCKLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Install the magnetic base and dial gauge as shown in the figure and measure the wheel bearing axial excessive play.

Fig 1: Measuring Wheel Bearing Axial Excessive Play

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Front wheel bearing maximum play

0.05 mm {0.002 in}

If it exceeds the maximum specification, replace the wheel hub bearing. (See WHEEL HUB, STEERING KNUCKLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)