Odd Front Wheel bearing issue....
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Odd Front Wheel bearing issue....
A while back, I tested (shook) the front wheels on my '92 to check the ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, etc. Car has 150k.
The left wheel bearing had play so I bought a new one from a forum member. Last night, I was putting new tires on and figured I might as well change the bearing/hub...so I did. With the new hub in place, I bolted the rotor on to check it and...it's still loose. About identical to the old one! The right side one has zero discernable play. Left one, although brand new has decided loosness. With the wheel/tire on, I can shake it on the vertical plane enough to visually see about 3/16" movement of the top of the tire relative to the upper ball joint.
Is it possible that I got a bad new bearing? Or am I over looking something? Kind of annoying, but on the plus side, the new tires turned it into a NEW CAR. Steering is awesome now.
The left wheel bearing had play so I bought a new one from a forum member. Last night, I was putting new tires on and figured I might as well change the bearing/hub...so I did. With the new hub in place, I bolted the rotor on to check it and...it's still loose. About identical to the old one! The right side one has zero discernable play. Left one, although brand new has decided loosness. With the wheel/tire on, I can shake it on the vertical plane enough to visually see about 3/16" movement of the top of the tire relative to the upper ball joint.
Is it possible that I got a bad new bearing? Or am I over looking something? Kind of annoying, but on the plus side, the new tires turned it into a NEW CAR. Steering is awesome now.
Last edited by Tom400CFI; Feb 12, 2012 at 05:31 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 285
When you are checking the front end do you have a jack under the lower control arm. Those are load bearing BJs. Sometimes it hard to see where the play is at if your shaking it by yourself.
I woundn't put a bearing on if it was loose, but I've seen a number of GM cars w/ alittle play in the wheel bearings & no noise.
I woundn't put a bearing on if it was loose, but I've seen a number of GM cars w/ alittle play in the wheel bearings & no noise.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
I did it both ways; one with the wheel hanging from the shock and the other with a jack stand under the lower arm. Same play both times. Neither bearing made noise, but both seem to have about the same amount of play. Again, passengers side...no play.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
If you end up having to purchase another one consider forum vendor Corvette Recycling. They still have a number of front NOS units in the original GM boxes at a good price. I've purchased both front and rear ones from them over the past several years and been very happy with them. I do NOT race my car however.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 8
From: Tampa Florida
It is always possible that bearing number two is a POS as well.
I know you said you checked it already - but recheck the lower ball joint on the side with the "looseness" issue....you really really need to look closely for where the "slop" actually is when you (bump/shake) check it.
I know you said you checked it already - but recheck the lower ball joint on the side with the "looseness" issue....you really really need to look closely for where the "slop" actually is when you (bump/shake) check it.
