Rear Axle: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Moving the rear tire up and down by hand, check that there is no backlash in bearing, and check that the wheel rotates smoothly.

Fig 1: Moving Rear Tire Up And Down By Hand
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Inspect the lean of axis direction using a dial gauge. Replace the bearing if the load range exceeds the limitation.
Service limit:

Maximum: 0.05 mm (0.0020 in)

Fig 2: Inspecting Lean Of Axis Direction Using Dial Gauge
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.