Rear wheel bearing question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 154
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From: Katy TX
Rear wheel bearing question
How much play is acceptable when checking rear wheel bearings? When checking, I place my hands at 12 oclock and 6 oclock on the rear tire, when jacked up and push/pull back and forth. Both rear wheels have a little play, but it is minimal. Should there be a little play? or should it be tight and not move at all? I have 92k and am wondering if it is time for a wheel bearing change.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Jenison MI
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by CF6873
I posted this same question a few months ago and was told there should be no play. I replaced mine with new Timkens and now there is no play.
There should be no play
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
No play is correct....but make sure you don't have a bad bushing that's causing the play. Would not be good to spend $300 for new bearings and find out that $50 worth of bushings would have solved the problem.
With 12 and 6 play, check the strut rod bushings. With 9 and 3 play, check the rear control arm (trailing arm) bushings.
Your issue may very well be wheel bearings, but rule out the cheap and easy stuff first.
With 12 and 6 play, check the strut rod bushings. With 9 and 3 play, check the rear control arm (trailing arm) bushings.
Your issue may very well be wheel bearings, but rule out the cheap and easy stuff first.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Katy TX
Thanks for all the tips. I bought all poly bushings for the control arm, dog bones, and strut rod about a month ago, so I will go ahead and start the project, will go ahead and change the bearings since I am down there. Appreciate all the help. 
