Wheel bearing question ???
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 861
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From: Hyde Park NY
St. Jude Donor '05
Wheel bearing question ???
I noticed some play in my front and rear wheels when the car was on jacks for an oil change (the 2 and 8 o clock rocking). I have just over 60000 miles. A local VETTE shop indicated earlier this summer that he thought I should have them replaced. How much play is too much for wheel bearings....? Is 60K miles an indication that they make need to be replaced. (Note: I have owned the car for 16 months and put 7000 miles on it). thanks.
Le Mans Master
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From: Jenison MI
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St. Jude Donor '06
Any play is not good.
But there are a number of things and places on the front and rear that can give you that play, not just the bearing. Most likely it is the bearings but it "could" be something else.
Replace the bearings and hope that's what it is. It's not a bad idea to have new bearing anyways.
But there are a number of things and places on the front and rear that can give you that play, not just the bearing. Most likely it is the bearings but it "could" be something else.
Replace the bearings and hope that's what it is. It's not a bad idea to have new bearing anyways.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 302
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From: South Haven Michigan
There is a lot about this in the archives that will help you with this.
Grab the tires at the 12 & 6 o'clock positions. If there is any play, the bearings need to be changed. The spec from GM is very small, so any play is probably too much.
I just changed the rear bearings in my 89. The job isn't that hard. Purchased my bearings from 'The Last Detail'. I would also recommend changing the u-joints in the halfshafts whille you are that far into the rear end.
Grab the tires at the 12 & 6 o'clock positions. If there is any play, the bearings need to be changed. The spec from GM is very small, so any play is probably too much.
I just changed the rear bearings in my 89. The job isn't that hard. Purchased my bearings from 'The Last Detail'. I would also recommend changing the u-joints in the halfshafts whille you are that far into the rear end.
Le Mans Master
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From: Jenison MI
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St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by scorp508
12 & 6 = Wheel Bearings
3 & 9 = Tie Rod Ends
2 & 8 = WTF?
3 & 9 = Tie Rod Ends
2 & 8 = WTF?
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 861
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From: Hyde Park NY
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by scorp508
12 & 6 = Wheel Bearings
3 & 9 = Tie Rod Ends
2 & 8 = WTF?
3 & 9 = Tie Rod Ends
2 & 8 = WTF?
2&8 - combination of both
I just grabbed the wheels. Was not sure of the exact clock positions. thanks.
Le Mans Master
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From: Jenison MI
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St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by scorp508
Nothing is perfect, but elimination of as much as posssible is the goal.
It's just that with the miles on that car, it's done a lot of sitting for the years of it's life. So most likely it's the bearings.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
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From: Lake Wylie SC
I kind of agree with changing the bearings out. These cars are getting to the age where replacing parts is good preventive maintenance. So, even if you don't eliminate the play with new bearings, you'll not have to worry about them for another 15 years or so. I'm not a believer of the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Southern CA
I have done all four on mine between 50 - 60 k miles.
The tolerance is .005 inch and the human hair is about .003 so you get the picture. Basically if you feel any play at all (12 & 6) it's replace time.
The tolerance is .005 inch and the human hair is about .003 so you get the picture. Basically if you feel any play at all (12 & 6) it's replace time.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2003
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From: [Quote=WOEII] Is dried brown doodie powders man! [/Quote]
Has anyone checked play after you've installed your rear bearings? I just put new ones in this weekend, along with new tie rod ends. I wanted to know how much play is normal when I check in the future. 3 and 9 is much better. The wheel bearings feel a *little* bit tighter. 6 and 12 I can still rock the wheel on brand new, (and then)undriven bearings. I just checked the bearings again tonight and rechecked spindle nut torque (185+ foot lbs) and everything feels just like it did after I installed it.
How much force are you supposed to use when checking these? I grab right ahold of tire and go brute force style rocking the tire and I can get it to move much more than .005. Is a more gentle rocking motion in order?
How much force are you supposed to use when checking these? I grab right ahold of tire and go brute force style rocking the tire and I can get it to move much more than .005. Is a more gentle rocking motion in order?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Southern CA
Yes I checked before and after. Front and rear. Use quite a decent amount of manly force.
Before they play was obvious & clearly worn bearings, after I could not discern any play AT ALL.
If you still have play then I suggest there is something else worn. OR What brand of bearings did you install? I went oem. I have heard of some guys who go cheap on ther bearings and only get about 10k miles out of them.
If you have ever done wheel bearings where you loosen/tighten the spindle nut to get the tolerance right you may recall how little it takes to be just right or too tight or too loose.
On Vettes, as you know, there is no adjustment. The mfg. tolerance is critical.
What yr/miles is your car?
Before they play was obvious & clearly worn bearings, after I could not discern any play AT ALL.
If you still have play then I suggest there is something else worn. OR What brand of bearings did you install? I went oem. I have heard of some guys who go cheap on ther bearings and only get about 10k miles out of them.
If you have ever done wheel bearings where you loosen/tighten the spindle nut to get the tolerance right you may recall how little it takes to be just right or too tight or too loose.
On Vettes, as you know, there is no adjustment. The mfg. tolerance is critical.
What yr/miles is your car?
Safety Car
Joined: May 2003
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From: [Quote=WOEII] Is dried brown doodie powders man! [/Quote]
I got cheapo bearings from Ecklers 
. If they only last 10,000 miles I'll have to replace them in six years. It's nice to know that they should have no play.
The car has 120,000 miles on it and the suspension is worn. The u-joints in the half shafts are spicers and they are tight, and with the other new parts I just put in you'd think everything would be all good. Do the bearings just suck that bad?
. If they only last 10,000 miles I'll have to replace them in six years. It's nice to know that they should have no play.The car has 120,000 miles on it and the suspension is worn. The u-joints in the half shafts are spicers and they are tight, and with the other new parts I just put in you'd think everything would be all good. Do the bearings just suck that bad?