How to Check SUV Axle Bearings
The axle bearings in your SUV give flexibility to the axle shaft and allow you to turn the SUV left and right. When these axle bearings dry out, the axle will fail. This will never happen, however, as long as the constant velocity joint boot, or "CV joint boot", does not rip or tear. Once the CV joint boot fails, the bearings will dry out and begin to grind on the inner race of the axle bearing assembly. When this happens, you need to replace the entire axle. However, before replacing the axle, you should check the axle bearings.
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Instructions
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Turn the steering wheel on your SUV all the way to the left or right.
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Look behind the front and rear wheels of your SUV. There will be a long, steel rod running from the back of the wheel to the transmission housing. This is the axle shaft. There are two boots on the axle shaft--one near the transmission and one near the inside of the wheel. These are CV joint boots.
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Check the CV joint boots for damage. If the boot is torn, or if you see any thick, black grease coming from the CV boot, then the bearing assembly has been compromised. You will need to replace the bearings. If you drive your SUV and hear a clicking sound when you make hard left or right turns, your bearings are grinding on the inner race, and you will need to replace the entire axle soon, before the bearings separate from the bearing assembly and the axle shears in half.
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