front bearings?

[javalin]

Morning all,

If front wheel rocks when pulled top-bottom, that’s bearing’s isn’t it?  Only does it when wheel is in a certain position, i.e. have to rotate it to find the spot.  Symptoms – vibration and play (bus) like steering when cornering, bumpy roads etc.

??

I don't think the front wheels are ajustable bearings are they?

ta,

James

[Len]

Have you checked the wheel bolts/nuts?

I only ask because if it is a wheel bearing it would rock top to bottom at every position of the wheel.

[javalin]

yeah, bolts nice and tight.  oh and new bushes, top mounts and shocks in the last two years too.

[JamesS]

Does sound like a wheel bearing. If you let a wheel bearing get really bad it can cause vague steering/tramlining but by this stage there would be a mega loud noise & vibration. Try and nip it up, they shouldn't need to be nipped up but it is a temporary solution to prevent movement before you change the wheel bearing.

If you have checked all the bolts are FT (f***ing tight) then also check the lower ball joint for play. The easiest way to check for play in the suspension area is to get the car on a ramp/axle stands and use a huge screwdriver/crowbar to prize the joints and bushes apart to see if there is movement.

If you can hear knocking when coasting, lightly accelerating or lightly braking then this indicates worn ball joints or bushes. Try these things on a bumpy road.

[javalin]

Hiya JamesS,

Thanks for that reply - most helpful.  Hadn't really thought of lower ball joint, probably as these are new (ish) too!  Will check it out.

I can sometimes convince myself that there is a wining from the o/s/f but not 100%

Cheers,
James

[tweed]

Sounds like bearing to me

[AudiA8Quattro]

Does the play go if you apply the brake pedal?
Don't try and nip the hub bolt up, there is no adjustment there...

[javalin]

didn't think the fronts were adjustable.....  Will have to check at the weekend re the play.  Brrr (-4c here today).

[tweed]

Wear gloves 

[Len]

Get a heated garage!