Examination
Using a dial gauge to measure front wheel bearing end play
1. Apply the parking brake, then raise the front of the vehicle and support it on stands. Remove the corresponding front wheel.
2. Screw two wheel bolts with thick washers into the holes on two diametrically opposite sides of the brake disc.
3. Using a punch or screwdriver, remove the protective cap from the center of the hub. If the cap is damaged when removed, it must be replaced. If available, remove the spring located on the hub axle.
4. Using the blade of a large flathead screwdriver, carefully pry the brake pads away from the brake disc so that they do not interfere with the rotation of the hub.
5. Attach the dial indicator bracket to the front of the brake disc and install the dial gauge tip into the end of the hub trunnion (see picture). Set the scale of the dial indicator to 0. Holding the brake disc on both sides, move it along the axis. Using a dial gauge, determine the end play of the front hub bearing. If the axial play of the bearing exceeds the allowable value, it is necessary to make an adjustment.
6. If the axial play of the front wheel hub bearing is within acceptable limits, remove the dial gauge from the brake disc, then reinstall the spring and protective cap. Install the wheel, then lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the wheel bolts to the correct torque. Depress the brake pedal several times to bring the brake pads into contact with the brake disc.
Adjustment
1. Apply the parking brake, then raise the front of the vehicle and support it on stands. Remove the corresponding front wheel.
2. Screw two wheel bolts with thick washers into the holes on two diametrically opposite sides of the brake disc.
3. Using a punch or screwdriver, remove the protective cap from the center of the hub. If the cap is damaged when removed, it must be replaced. If available, remove the spring located on the hub axle.
4. Using the blade of a large flathead screwdriver, carefully pry the brake pads away from the brake disc so that they do not interfere with the rotation of the hub.
5. Loosen the clamping bolt holding the hub nut from unscrewing.
6. While rotating the brake disc, gradually tighten the hub mounting nut until the brake disc turns with little effort. From this point, unscrew the hub nut about a third of a turn, then hit the hub axle with a mallet in order to reduce the bearing preload.
7. Using a dial gauge, measure the wheel bearing end play. If necessary, adjust the axial play of the hub bearing by turning the hub mounting nut. After adjustment, tighten the clamping bolt that secures the hub mounting nut from unscrewing to the required tightening torque.
8. If the axial play of the front wheel hub bearing is within acceptable limits, remove the dial gauge from the brake disc, then reinstall the spring and protective cap. Install the wheel, then lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the wheel bolts to the correct torque. Depress the brake pedal several times to bring the brake pads into contact with the brake disc.
9. Re-measure the end play of the front wheel bearing.