Wheel Bearing Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Toyota Corolla and 2003 Toyota Corolla. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Wheel bearings are not adjustable. Whenever bearings are removed, replace with NEW bearings, races and oil seals.

Remove front wheel. Remove brake caliper and disc. Support caliper out of way. Using dial indicator placed near center of axle hub, check backlash by moving hub in bearing shaft direction. If backlash exceeds .002 in. (.05 mm), replace bearing.
Check deviation at axle hub surface, outside of hub bolt by moving hub with twisting motion. If deviation is more than .003 in. (.07 mm), replace bearing. Reinstall disc, brake caliper and front wheel. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Exploded View Of Front Axle Hub Components