Front wheel bearings

84 prospector · Post by **84 prospector** » Thu Sep 14, 2023 8:30 pm

Bearings have play when rocking the wheel up and down, I’ve already packed the bearings and did new seals a few months ago. Still spins good and smooth, but thinking I should put new bearings in before a 120 mile trip coming up. Is the inner and outer bearing and race the same? Or is one smaller.

SJTD · Post by **SJTD** » Thu Sep 14, 2023 9:10 pm

Why not just adjust them properly?

84 prospector · Post by **84 prospector** » Thu Sep 14, 2023 9:19 pm

I’ve already tried tightening them. Torqued it down to 50ft/lbs then backed off 1/4 turn, had play. Torqued it down again then loosened and got it as finger tight as I could and still had play. Can’t tell the play is there by rocking the rotor, I can only feel it when rocking it with the whole wheel on. Outer nut is at 135lbs. That inner nut shouldn’t be tight to the point of needing to tighten it with a wrench right?

candymancan · Post by **candymancan** » Thu Sep 14, 2023 10:19 pm

You sure your ball joints arent bad ?

84 prospector · Post by **84 prospector** » Thu Sep 14, 2023 10:21 pm

Yes the movement is in the hub

candymancan · Post by **candymancan** » Fri Sep 15, 2023 10:30 am

What about the slindle bearing itself. Not jist the outer inner bearings

84 prospector · Post by **84 prospector** » Fri Sep 15, 2023 10:32 am

Spindle bearing looked and felt great. Packed it and put a new seal on that a couple months ago.

devildog80 · Post by **devildog80** » Fri Sep 15, 2023 11:00 am

Run it.

SJTD · Post by **SJTD** » Sat Sep 16, 2023 9:39 am

If you can't adjust the play out and it's not in the joint that leaves a worn spindle, no?

Yeller · Post by **Yeller** » Sat Sep 16, 2023 2:03 pm

SJTD wrote: ↑Sat Sep 16, 2023 9:39 am If you can't adjust the play out and it's not in the joint that leaves a worn spindle, no?

Yes but that wear is typically quite obvious noted by grooves in the spindle bearing surface. Same with the races in the hub.

If it can only be felt with the tire on I’d still lean toward a ball joint.

If it’s got clean grease I’d drive it as well 120 miles is not far. 1-1/2 trips to work for me. 1200 miles is another story but I’d do that too if the bearing is smooth.

SJTD · Post by **SJTD** » Sun Sep 17, 2023 9:44 am

Yeah but he said the joints are good so I respond based on that. I agree that that much wear should be pretty evident.

84 prospector · Post by **84 prospector** » Mon Sep 18, 2023 6:08 pm

Propped up a camera in front of the truck to look at the ball joint closer, and it is moving in the upper ball joint a little. I think thats where the play is coming from, thanks for the help guys

aantalis · Post by **aantalis** » Mon Sep 25, 2023 8:41 am

Thanks for the post and the follow up. I learned from this. Especially using the camera when you’re by yourself.

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