The axle hub bearing, or wheel bearing, on your Toyota Echo is responsible for making sure that the wheel and axle rotates smoothly on its own axis. It also prevents the wheel from vibrating or shimmying while you drive. When your axle hub bearing begins to fail, you'll hear a low hum or whining sound coming from the wheel in question. You may also notice some vibration in the wheel itself while driving at highway speeds. This will translate into feedback in the steering wheel. When you finally have the wheel hub assembly apart, you'll need to know how to break the axle hub bearing loose so that you can replace it with a new one.
Place the hammer end of the slide hammer over the wheel studs. Make sure that the hammer is flush with the axle bearing hub.
Secure the slide hammer to the hub assembly with lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts onto the wheel studs.
Push the slide all the way in so that the handle is close to the hammer end of the slide hammer.
Pull the handle back quickly and violently in a straight line so that it hits the hammer's stop plate at the other end. The slide hammer is designed to create a pulling impact force. Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for every wheel stud on the Echo in order to remove the axle hub bearing. Since the bearing is pressed into place on the Echo, be patient and take your time. Eventually, the axle hub bearing will break loose and come out of the hub.
