Front Axle: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

Fig 1: Identifying Backlash Bearing
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Inspect the lean of axis direction using a dial gauge. Replace the hub bearing if the load range exceed the limitation.
Limit:

Maximum:

0.05 mm (0.0020 in)

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