Play in Front Wheel Source
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 179
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From: Nor Cal
Play in Front Wheel Source
I replace both front hub bearing assemblies a few years ago. I replaced brake pads last week and now hear a slight rubbing sound that correlates with the wheel spinning. Doesn't change with braking though sounds like a slight rub. Then I noticed the wheel has very slight play in it. Hard to believe the bearing is already worn. Is there anything you can think of that might allow for some play? I don't think there is anything to tighten other than the hub assembly. I'll keep driving it and see if the play gets worse. Could be there has been slight play (I'd say 1/32 ish) since whenever.
Tuned
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 363
Likes: 121
From: Montana
Not sure how 1/32 play can be felt. When mine went bad it was pretty obvious. If you think the hub assembly is bad I'd put an automotive stethoscope on the shock while spinning the wheel and listen for growling.
Did you do anything to the calipers or rotors or just change pads? My guess would be run out in rotor or sticking caliper.
Did you do anything to the calipers or rotors or just change pads? My guess would be run out in rotor or sticking caliper.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 179
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From: Nor Cal
I only changed the pads. New caliper 4-5 years ago. New bearing hub assembly 3 years ago. Very slight movement but can be felt as opposed to right side which has zero play. Hmmm...
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,129
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From: Ponca City, OK
How are you checking for and noticing this play? When you replaced the pads did you inspect and grease the slide pins? When you replaced the hubs did you verify the build date? If your build date is anywhere close to the cutoff I would pay close attention to what parts come off and go back on. How about the axle pilot bearing in the backside of the hub, they are prone to getting dry and causing issues.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 179
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From: Nor Cal
Good questions. I noticed the play after driving the truck after replacing the pads. I could hear a rubbing sound coming from the wheel that correlated with the speed of the truck so I figured it was related to the wheel/brake/hub. I jacked up the truck to turn the wheel but could not duplicate the sound from either wheel. That's when I noticed there was slight play in the driver's side wheel. I replaced the whole hub assembly three years ago. Can't imagine bearing going bad unless I did something wrong putting it together. I can always replace the hub assembly again (ugh).
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,129
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From: Ponca City, OK
Are you sure the play is in the hub and not ball joints or tie rods? I actually had the bolt hole for the tie rods in both knuckles get egged allowing the frontend to wander. Took a little bit to figure that one out. It's just not a real common failure point in my experience so unless you're looking for it you might not catch it.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Nor Cal
Running BFG All Terrain...recommended size 235. I've heard same thing though on over sized tires. Thanks.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 179
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From: Nor Cal
Possible but I had my son rock tire while I looked at componants and didn't see/feel any movement. But I haven't done the ball joint test. I did have them replaced some years back. I'll double check. Thanks.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Henderson, NV
If the brakes are binding because of play in the wheel it won’t be ball joints because the brake caliper is bolted to the knuckle. Wheel and brakes will move together as a unit when ball joints go out because it is the entire knuckle moving. Still good to check the health of the ball joints though.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Ponca City, OK
That's a whole bunch of crying, plus it's not like you never have to worry about hub bearings again. Just a little less hassle when you do.
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