paalw

MY83 S (Euro if that matters)

On both sides front end there is a little play if i wiggle the wheels, both at 9-3 and 12-6 positions.

I removed the wheels and checked all rods and bushings and everything seems tight and good. When i wiggle the brake discs the play is there. It's not a lot, i can just about see a tiny little movement with my eyes, I feel and hear it better than i see it. The brake discs are properly fastened.

So is this a case of loose wheel bearings? If so, is it something that needs to be replaced or can it be tightened in any way? Again if so, are there any writeups how to do it(for dummies)?

PS. When i turn the wheel/brake disc it moves freely without any noise.

Thanks for any advice

gruffalo

The front wheel bearings can ideed be tightened. Do a search on this forum, and tons of info will pop up

I personally prefer to do it with the calipers removed; that way you can really feel when it starts dragging.

If you need to replace the front bearings eventually, you will find that they are not very expencive.

Good luck.

paalw

Thanks gruffalo, i found this link explaining the procedure.

http://www.nichols.nu/tip235.htm

Will give it a go this evening

PerceptionProblem

If its doable, I'd just replace the wheel bearings. I seriously *just* went through this, and the difference was night and day. Totally worth $50. Plus much less wear and tear on the tires now. Best of luck!

Bilal928S4

There is a YouTube video of a guy doing it to a 944. Google that and it is very helpful.

Ispeed

The upper control arm rubber bushings are suspect also. Take the wheel off and use a second jack to see if you have slop there.

Mrmerlin

FWIW the spindles seem to made of soft metal,
thus the inner bearing race likes to wear this surface down on its lower seating area,
inspect this when you remove the hubs from the spindles.

If there is wear the only solution is to replace the soft spindles,
installing new bearings may restore some of the clearance.

When setting the bearing preload make sure to face the flat washer on both sides and the surface on the nut with some 220 grit paper,
this will remove any surface imperfections and make setting the preload accurate.
'
Dont be temped to crank the nut tighter to remove the play in the bearings,
this will usually result in early bearing failure as well as damage to the hubs and spindles.

To set the preload,
tighten the nut finger tight while spinning the hub , then back off ,
repeat this a few times then back off the nut some,
and tighten it till you can move the washer with the tip of a screwdriver pushing on the edge of the washer, not prying on it.

Once the preload is set you may notice some play in the bearings , this wont hurt anything it may make a bit of noise and or you may feel the brakes are loose when backing up but all in all its just a result of the worn spindles.

you can check the tierods by having a helper turn the wheel back and forth about an inch or two with the car on the ground,
while you lay on the ground and look at the parts,
NOTE it helps to slide the boots from the rack to see the inner tierods and if they have play.

Bill Ball

If the play is gone when the brakes are applied, the play is in the wheel bearing/spindle. You noted you could wiggle the brake rotor a bit, which is consistent with this.

Charley B

You might also want to check to make sure the rack mountings aren't loose. With the front of the car in the air watch the steering rack mounting bolts while wiggling either front wheel. If the rack bolts have play it should be obvious. The cure is replacing the mounting bolt bushings.

paalw

Thats where my problem is yes Bill. Now trying to get off the hub cap

Mrmerlin

FWIW you can also inspect the rack for loose bushing by following this advice as it will be loaded with the wheels on the ground.

you can check the tierods by having a helper turn the wheel back and forth about an inch or two with the car on the ground.

This is done while you lay on the ground and look at the parts,

NOTE it helps to slide the boots from the rack to see the inner tierods and if they have play.

Charley B

Remember, on the ground it's a two man job; in the air, it's a one man job.