front wheel bearing
July 10th, 2012, 08:49 AM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: South-central Pa.
Posts: 1,309
front wheel bearing
I have play in my front wheel bearing(I'm pretty sure it's in the wheel bearing)I tightened it a little then put the wheel back on only to find it still had play.I took it a part every thing looks good as far as I can tell no pieces.So I toke the wheel off again and tightened it probably tighter than I should and it still has play.Is this normal? Or is some thing wrong?Can a tapered bearing wear to the point where it can't be tightened any more?
railguy
railguy
July 10th, 2012, 09:43 AM
#2
Administrator
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Poteau, Ok
Posts: 40,575
This is one of those times when doing it wrong can be catastrophic. You need to remove the rear seal, clean and inspect both bearings and races for wear. They will also need to be repacked with grease. There is a procedure for setting the preload, do you have a chasis manual or any kind of repair manual that covers your car?
July 10th, 2012, 09:55 AM
#3
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
When was the last time the wheel bearings were replaced? X2 on ^^^, I'd also want to clean off the spindle and see if there may be any damage to the spindle shaft as well. IIRC the inner and outer bearings are the same part number, and they're low cost items.
This is for you 74 Omega, right?
This is for you 74 Omega, right?
July 10th, 2012, 09:55 AM
#4
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 601
Sounds like you're at the point of replacing the front bearings and races to me. I've done this a few times, and don't recall it being much of job in the garage with basic hand tools. Biggest part is punching out the old races, and new ones back in. If not wanting to do this, many auto parts stores should be able to help.
July 10th, 2012, 12:15 PM
#7
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 11,798
I believe preload if tightening the big nut to 30 ft-lbs while turning the wheel, then loosen half a turn, then tighten again FINGER TIGHT while turning the wheel. Install washer and cotter pin, loosening slightly enought to get the pin in. Remember there may be two holes drilled in the spindle, so pick the one that the pin goes into first.
If it is still loose, and you know it is coming from the bearings, then it is time for replacement. It is pretty easy. Use a drift punch to remove old races, clean out old grease, and use a bearing race driver borrowed from a parts store to hammer in the new bearing races. Replace the rear seals, too. Pack bearings and hubs with high temp disc brake grease, assemble, preload, intall brakes, and you are done (if the MAWs stay away)!
If it is still loose, and you know it is coming from the bearings, then it is time for replacement. It is pretty easy. Use a drift punch to remove old races, clean out old grease, and use a bearing race driver borrowed from a parts store to hammer in the new bearing races. Replace the rear seals, too. Pack bearings and hubs with high temp disc brake grease, assemble, preload, intall brakes, and you are done (if the MAWs stay away)!
July 10th, 2012, 12:22 PM
#8
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Fort Pierce, FL
Posts: 1,124
One thing to add...after you retighten FINGER TIGHT, then you back off the nut ever so slightly so you can insert the cotter pin through the nut and spindle. The bearings should NEVER be even finger tight.
July 10th, 2012, 07:35 PM
#9
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: South-central Pa.
Posts: 1,309
Thanks I think I'll just replace them both.I do have a manual I'll look at that never a cured to me,don't know why.It's not the ball joints I'm pretty sure I just replaced the upper control arm bushing and with the upper ball joint separated it's easy to tell.
thank railguy
thank railguy
July 10th, 2012, 07:50 PM
#10
Connoisseur d'Junque
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Hudson Valley
Posts: 21,183
If you grab the tire at 12:00 and 6:00 a loose bearing is "easy" to wiggle, while a bad ball joint is so hard that you need a piece of pipe to do it.
If you grab it at 9:00 and 3:00, a wiggle could also be a tie rod end, or other steering component.
You've got all the right pieces, including the thick washer, right?
- Eric
If you grab it at 9:00 and 3:00, a wiggle could also be a tie rod end, or other steering component.
You've got all the right pieces, including the thick washer, right?
- Eric
July 11th, 2012, 10:04 AM
#12
CH3NO2 LEARN IT BURN IT
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Land of Taxes
Posts: 4,854
FYI
I don’t know if this is or is not a concern for you. But I just did a front end (bearings/races & seals) and all of the big box and my favorite Delco small box parts house (especially disappointing) tried to sell me either India or China made parts! Really! Thats the only choices I had, period. Not happening on my watch. Thats way I always ask.
Im disgusted by now, so I called the local BDI branch (Bearing Dist Inc.) and inquired. They too offered the same crap but they also said “but wait we do offer American made bearings and seals for your car but they are a bit more money. I asked what’s a bit more mean….~$2 per part more! Really! So the total bill was increased a grand total of $12 to keep it all American…No brainer.
I speak from experience; offshore hard parts do not last. Not to mention the safety factor as they keep the front wheel where it’s supposed to be….on the car!
Just thought I'd share this in hopes that everyone thinks to ask the parts guy first “where’s it made”.
If you have the choice for a few lousy dollars you too can keep American parts in your American muscle cars.
I don’t know if this is or is not a concern for you. But I just did a front end (bearings/races & seals) and all of the big box and my favorite Delco small box parts house (especially disappointing) tried to sell me either India or China made parts! Really! Thats the only choices I had, period. Not happening on my watch. Thats way I always ask.
Im disgusted by now, so I called the local BDI branch (Bearing Dist Inc.) and inquired. They too offered the same crap but they also said “but wait we do offer American made bearings and seals for your car but they are a bit more money. I asked what’s a bit more mean….~$2 per part more! Really! So the total bill was increased a grand total of $12 to keep it all American…No brainer.
I speak from experience; offshore hard parts do not last. Not to mention the safety factor as they keep the front wheel where it’s supposed to be….on the car!
Just thought I'd share this in hopes that everyone thinks to ask the parts guy first “where’s it made”.
If you have the choice for a few lousy dollars you too can keep American parts in your American muscle cars.
Last edited by droldsmorland; July 11th, 2012 at 10:17 AM.
July 11th, 2012, 10:10 AM
#13
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: South-central Pa.
Posts: 1,309
FYI
I don’t know if this is or is not a concern for you. But I just did a front end (bearings/races & seals) and all of the big box and my favorite Delco small box parts house (especially disappointing) tried to sell me either India or China made parts! Really! Thats the only choices I had, period. Not happening on my watch. Thats way I always ask.
Im discusted by now, so I called the local BDI branch (Bearing Dist Inc.) and inquired. They too offered the same crap but they also said “but wait we do offer American made bearings and seals for your car but they are a bit more money. I asked what’s a bit more mean….~$2 per part more! Really! So the total bill was increased a grand total of $12 to keep it all American…No brainer.
I speak from experience; offshore hard parts do not last. Not to mention the safety factor as they keep the front wheel where it’s supposed to be….on the car!
Just thought I'd share this in hopes that everyone thinks to ask the parts guy first “where’s it made”.
If you have the choice for a few lousy dollars you too can keep American parts in your American muscle cars.
I don’t know if this is or is not a concern for you. But I just did a front end (bearings/races & seals) and all of the big box and my favorite Delco small box parts house (especially disappointing) tried to sell me either India or China made parts! Really! Thats the only choices I had, period. Not happening on my watch. Thats way I always ask.
Im discusted by now, so I called the local BDI branch (Bearing Dist Inc.) and inquired. They too offered the same crap but they also said “but wait we do offer American made bearings and seals for your car but they are a bit more money. I asked what’s a bit more mean….~$2 per part more! Really! So the total bill was increased a grand total of $12 to keep it all American…No brainer.
I speak from experience; offshore hard parts do not last. Not to mention the safety factor as they keep the front wheel where it’s supposed to be….on the car!
Just thought I'd share this in hopes that everyone thinks to ask the parts guy first “where’s it made”.
If you have the choice for a few lousy dollars you too can keep American parts in your American muscle cars.
railguy
July 11th, 2012, 10:42 AM
#14
Connoisseur d'Junque
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Hudson Valley
Posts: 21,183
Not to be too much of a nit picker, but I do not mind buying bearings labeled "Slovakia" or "Slovenia."
A hundred years ago, a lot of our best machinists came from "over there," and were part of the reason we were able to develop our industrial capacity to where we could make the best stuff in the world, and plenty of it.
I agree completely on avoiding all that "far eastern" crap, but some of the eastern European countries do have the skills to do good machine and production work, now that the Bear isn't holding them down.
Why not take a 3/8" (outside dimension) nut and tap it to a 6mm thread? 
- Eric
A hundred years ago, a lot of our best machinists came from "over there," and were part of the reason we were able to develop our industrial capacity to where we could make the best stuff in the world, and plenty of it.
I agree completely on avoiding all that "far eastern" crap, but some of the eastern European countries do have the skills to do good machine and production work, now that the Bear isn't holding them down.
- Eric
July 12th, 2012, 09:23 AM
#16
'87 Delta 88 Royale
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Margate, England
Posts: 2,513
Not to be too much of a nit picker, but I do not mind buying bearings labeled "Slovakia" or "Slovenia."
A hundred years ago, a lot of our best machinists came from "over there," and were part of the reason we were able to develop our industrial capacity to where we could make the best stuff in the world, and plenty of it.
- Eric
A hundred years ago, a lot of our best machinists came from "over there," and were part of the reason we were able to develop our industrial capacity to where we could make the best stuff in the world, and plenty of it.
- Eric
Central Europe has indeed got a good history of fine engineering, Skodas have a fine reputation in Europe, are they for sale in the USA?.
"Made in Japan" used to mean poor quality copies a long time ago, now it means amongst the best in the world.
"Made in Britain" meant the standard of excellence once, maybe "Made in China/India" will have its turn in due course.
Roger.
Last edited by rustyroger; July 14th, 2012 at 01:56 AM.
July 12th, 2012, 09:31 AM
#17
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SE Wisconsin
Posts: 1,915
Not to mention the more than frustration at trying to find anything with "Made in U.S.A." markings!
July 12th, 2012, 01:59 PM
#18
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
I really get confused by some of the claims. Reason I ask? I bought 'Made in USA' parts that some folks say is offshore just marketed through a distributor. I'd like to know the parts I bought support American workers.
July 12th, 2012, 02:18 PM
#19
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,703
To me, Made in the USA means it's actually made here. A lot of manufacturers that don't make things here will label them "Assembled in USA".
I do believe parts made in the USA are of better quality than that of parts made in China or other Asian countries...but, my whole reason for buying MADE IN THE USA parts is to keep jobs here in the country. Every time I buy anything, I look for where it's made. If there is an alternative that is made in USA I will pay more for it.
A perfect example: On our way back from San Antonio on Monday we stopped at a huge gas station called Buccee's. It's sort of a destination of it's own. We were looking at T-shirts but because they were all made in India and China we opted not to get one. And while Buccee's employs quite a few people at very high pay (for a gas station) we still would much rather see them sell USA stuff.
If the folks here in the US would practice this every day, eventually companies would see the demand shift to USA made parts. Hopefully, this would bring jobs back into the country...but I also understand some people aren't able to pay the prices of USA made things. IE Cometic head gaskets I just bought for $110 per side!
I do believe parts made in the USA are of better quality than that of parts made in China or other Asian countries...but, my whole reason for buying MADE IN THE USA parts is to keep jobs here in the country. Every time I buy anything, I look for where it's made. If there is an alternative that is made in USA I will pay more for it.
A perfect example: On our way back from San Antonio on Monday we stopped at a huge gas station called Buccee's. It's sort of a destination of it's own. We were looking at T-shirts but because they were all made in India and China we opted not to get one. And while Buccee's employs quite a few people at very high pay (for a gas station) we still would much rather see them sell USA stuff.
If the folks here in the US would practice this every day, eventually companies would see the demand shift to USA made parts. Hopefully, this would bring jobs back into the country...but I also understand some people aren't able to pay the prices of USA made things. IE Cometic head gaskets I just bought for $110 per side!
July 12th, 2012, 02:59 PM
#20
CH3NO2 LEARN IT BURN IT
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Land of Taxes
Posts: 4,854
X2! to the 10th order ah64pilot X2!!!!
You have to be an educated consumer. The retailers are aware of this. I’ve seen packaging that says packaged in USA or assembled in USA etc...Close but not close enough for me. I walked into a big box home improvement store to purchase a sprinkler and hose...Nothing I mean nothing said USA anywhere. I am willing and frequently do pay more for good ole USA products. Mexico and Canada are ok. I’m wondering where the lumber comes from too...ridiculous thank all the greedy bean counters and others.
I had to recently search for a gas tank for 68 442. Most of the venders offer offshore. Really! Like I'm gonna put an offshore gas tank in that car. So I did manage to find a Canadian made tank which is fine…though $120 to ship a $180 tank hurts!
You have to be an educated consumer. The retailers are aware of this. I’ve seen packaging that says packaged in USA or assembled in USA etc...Close but not close enough for me. I walked into a big box home improvement store to purchase a sprinkler and hose...Nothing I mean nothing said USA anywhere. I am willing and frequently do pay more for good ole USA products. Mexico and Canada are ok. I’m wondering where the lumber comes from too...ridiculous thank all the greedy bean counters and others.
I had to recently search for a gas tank for 68 442. Most of the venders offer offshore. Really! Like I'm gonna put an offshore gas tank in that car. So I did manage to find a Canadian made tank which is fine…though $120 to ship a $180 tank hurts!
July 12th, 2012, 03:44 PM
#21
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Like you guys, I'm a strong supporter of the North American economy and workers. Problem is only ones who will really care are the few who really commit to buying American or Canadian. Sign of the times: people buy what they can afford; even if they buy lower quality and have to replace sooner. It's what they can afford NOW. I get that, just not happy about the way production has gone.
July 12th, 2012, 07:10 PM
#23
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: South-central Pa.
Posts: 1,309
I install handrails for a living and for a long time almost all the hand rail parts (except for the custom stuff) come from China.The lumber is shipped from the USA to China where it's milled boxed and shipped back.The fittings can be bought cheaper than the lumber its made out of!
Another thing that drives me up the wall is that ad for the Henry rifle where they brag it's made in America!Not USA but America.I wish I reach into the TV grab somebody.
railguy
Another thing that drives me up the wall is that ad for the Henry rifle where they brag it's made in America!Not USA but America.I wish I reach into the TV grab somebody.
railguy
July 15th, 2012, 06:41 PM
#25
CH3NO2 LEARN IT BURN IT
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Land of Taxes
Posts: 4,854
Yes Allen its winds out being about $340 which includes the new straps. I'll have to give my local Delco retailer a buzz and see if they can come in a litttle cheaper with the shipping. Hell Im only an hour away from Canada. Next trip north I may come back with a tank instead of Molsen Bradors.
July 17th, 2012, 11:42 AM
#26
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: West Hempstead, New York
Posts: 935
The Only ++ MADE IN U.S.A. ++ Bearings...........
90 % of the bearings today are made in China -- and they have natural "wiggle" or "warpage" right from the "factory" (rice plant).....
8 % of the bearings are made in mexico -- and they are better but still....
Not an answer to any red-blooded American.......
2 % are the ONLY Bearings to use on a car that you care about ------
TIMKEN reopened their plant in North Carolina to reintroduce production of truly made U S A Bearings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, TIMKEN, and I keep them all in stock --------------
Craig ...... 516 - 485 - 1935 ....... New York......
8 % of the bearings are made in mexico -- and they are better but still....
Not an answer to any red-blooded American.......
2 % are the ONLY Bearings to use on a car that you care about ------
TIMKEN reopened their plant in North Carolina to reintroduce production of truly made U S A Bearings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, TIMKEN, and I keep them all in stock --------------
Craig ...... 516 - 485 - 1935 ....... New York......
July 17th, 2012, 11:49 AM
#27
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Timken bearings and seals are what I put in my car too! NAPA and Partsource (Autozone in USA) have em in plentiful stock up here and they don't cost very much either. In this case quality and reliability doesn't cost an arm /leg!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cobalt
Eighty-Eight
4
August 16th, 2012 08:05 PM
Flye
Drivetrain/Differentials
5
July 30th, 2009 10:24 AM
