My Haynes manual says nothing about how to do this. My Camry has 148k and seems to have been poorly maintained by prior owner (sold it at 143k). Intermittently, I started hearing a grinding noise.

I am unable to find how to get to the bearing to inspect and repack them. I've done this on other cars, including my 1986 Tercel, but not on this car. Please advise, referencing photos, as I'm a bit challenged by the terms (races, etc).

Importantly, how tightly do I tighten the outer nut toward the end of the job. thanks!

 

The bearing is a dual row ball setup that is typically not repacked but replaced.

The front nut is tightened to 137 ft-lb.

 

Also, if you are hearing a grinding noise, and it is your bearings, it's already too late. Replace them.

 

and how do I test the bearings, eg spin the wheel and listen for noise? Thanks

 

You can spin the wheels and listen for noise but they will have to be really bad for you to hear it.
The option I use is to place my hands at the 12 and 6 o'clock position on the tire and try to rock it back forth, and then at the 3 and 9 o'clock position. Any play is a definite sign the bearings are bad.
If you spin the wheel and hear noise, be sure the brakes aren't worn down to metal as well.
Again, if the brakes are good and you have heard grinding from the bearings, it is time to replace them.

 

To undo and do up a camry CV nut I use a deep socket

I really need look in the garage to double check but 30 mm or 32 mm rings a bell

3/4 in drive and T bar and length of water pipe or a tension wrench that does the proper job

looks like the whole stub axle comes off the car ... so you can fit a new bearing

looking at a picture of a new hub bearing that
front hub bearing is a solid one piece shell special bearing
looks like you need a press and or a hub splitter to refit