Wheel movement...not wheel bearings?

canada karl · Post by **canada karl** » Mon Sep 09, 2013 1:55 pm

With the car jacked off the ground I get play when moving the wheel back and forth(gripped at top and bottom). I just replaced the wheel bearings and did the adjustment so that's not the issue. How can I pinpoint what part of the front end ie. Balljoints....tie rod ends..etc need to be replaced?

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Mon Sep 09, 2013 5:04 pm

If it's not the wheel bearings it is probably the balljoints. Check with a large channellocks. They should not compress. A little bit may be ok, but much is not. 1/16" is marginal.

BumbleBeeTuna · Post by **BumbleBeeTuna** » Wed Sep 11, 2013 11:43 pm

yea have someone jiggle the wheel and look at each piece of hardware movement

canada karl · Post by **canada karl** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 11:26 am

I went underneath with the channel locks but didn't detect any major movement in the ball joints unless I'm not doing it right?....I'll get someone to wiggle the wheel as suggested. There is definitely movement when when rocking the wheel. Also I discovered major up and down play in the Pitman arm (idler arm on the passenger side). Should there be and movement there at all? I'm going to order a new one. The one on the steering side is OK. Any thoughts?

BumbleBeeTuna · Post by **BumbleBeeTuna** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 6:19 pm

its easiest when you can get someone to do it.

there shouldnt be any "play"(movement) when it comes to your suspension

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Wheel movement...not wheel bearings?

Wheel movement...not wheel bearings?

Checking the front end.