Rear Hub Unit Bearing: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Subaru Outback and 2007 Subaru Legacy. 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 there is no backlash in bearing, and check the wheel rotates smoothly.

Fig 1: Checking Wheel Rotation
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Inspect the lean of axis direction using a dial gauge. Replace the hub bearing if the play exceeds the limit value.
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.