Place your hands on the sides of the tire and try to shake the wheel
Now place your hands on the top and bottom of the tire and try to shake the wheel again
If you feel movement in both directions, you have play in your bearing and it needs to be replaced
Note: If you feel movement when shaking the wheel left to right, but not top to bottom, you could have a worn out tie rod end. Similarly, if you have movement top to bottom, but not left to right, you may have a worn out ball joint.
Spin Test: Identifying Noise or Grinding
Lift your vehicle so the wheel is off the ground and can spin freely
Spin the wheel, in either direction, and listen for a grinding or howling noise
If you hear a loud grinding or howling noise, that increases with the speed of the wheel, you have a failed bearing that needs to be replaced
Note: It is best to test both front or both rear bearings at the same time so you can compare the difference between the two sides. If you have a failed bearing, there will be a noticeable difference in the amount of noise you hear during this test