Slight play in front wheel

[Blakers]

Folks, I have a small amount of play in the driver's side wheel when that side is jacked up and I push in and out on the top of the tire. I can't see or feel the play anywhere and I don't think it's the ball joints. They were replaced about 10,000 miles ago and I can't see or feel any movement at either the top or the bottom. Could it be in the unit bearing?



Thanks,

Blake

 

[WoodChuck]

It very well could be, you would notice play when holding and moving the tire at 3 and 9 o'clock too but it's a little harder to detect because the steering could move too. The best bet would be to get a helper to jiggle the tire/wheel assembly while you look carefully with a flashlight for the suspect worn parts.

 

[Blakers]

Thanks guys! The play is only present when moving the tire at the 12 o'clock position. Not at 3 or 9. I would think a unit bearing would have play at every position if the tire is off the ground.

I don't think it's in the steering.

 

[flyby night]

My left front wheel bearing has a slight amount of play in it. I noticed it about 20k miles ago and have just been keeping an eye on it and trying to milk it along for as long as possible. I have recently tried pushing grease into it through the abs sensor. I miss the regular tapered roller bearings!

 

[WoodChuck]

Thanks guys! The play is only present when moving the tire at the 12 o'clock position. Not at 3 or 9. I would think a unit bearing would have play at every position if the tire is off the ground.

I don't think it's in the steering.

You're right, the play you describe would indicate a worn upper BJ.

 

[Regcabguy]

Maybe another group buy from Dynatrac will come up.

 

[Blakers]

Thanks guys! I was thinking it was most likely an upper ball joint as well, but I held my finger against the two pieces and moved the wheel in and out and could not feel anything. I guess I will find out when it goes for the stupid PA inspection.

What are the best ball joints to get now? How much are they? I guess I need to start doing these myself. Can't be too hard once I'm into it enough to pull the axles out and change u-joints.

Blake

 

[WoodChuck]

You said in your original post the Ball Joints are relatively new. Did you have the uppers and lowers done at that time? What kind did you use?

 

[Blakers]

Yes, I had all 4 replaced in 2006, but the truck has only been driven about 5,000 miles a year since. One of the new u-joints in the axle is already bad since then as well. I don't recall what brand of ball joints they are, but they are not greasable. The selection at the time was meager.

Thanks.