I finally got around to getting 3 of the wheels on our 2002 Coupe refurbished, the ones with bad wheel rash. Front jacked up and on axle stands, wheels off and down to the 'wheel doctor'. I'm getting new Yokohama Advansport 105s fitted all round as the current set of Continentals need replacing. Anyway, I was cleaning off the wheel hub centres to get rid of the rust and decided to give the rotors a wiggle to check for play. Holding the rotor (still firmly attached to the hub) at 12 & 6 I noted about 1mm of play. This is about the same on both front wheels. Is this normal free play or is it a sign the bearings are on the way out? There is no roughness or noise just the 1mm of play. The car has done just over 80,000km - 50,000 miles in the old money.

 

You are sure it wasn't just the rotor? With the wheels off there is nothing holding the rotor to the hub. 1 mm play would not be a concern regardless so I'd think you're ok.

 

I agree with jamdmyers. Put the wheels back on the car with at least 2 lug nuts on tight, then position your hands at 6 & 12. Push at 12, pull with 6.
Push at 6, pull with 12.
Alternate several times as hard as you can. If there's any movement in and out (other than maybe the tire itself) then the bearing is on it's way out. If you also spin the wheel by hand, listen for a low rumble sound. If there's no rumble sound, it's good.

 

Tassiejag, If you can, please tell us how the Yokohamas compare to the Continentals when you get them installed. Even though this will be hard, you had "new" continentals so long ago, It would be interesting.

John

 

Thanks for the replies fellas. I think you are right and I have been picking up the movement in the rotors and its not the bearings! I will check again when I get the wheels back on. That's the good news. The bad news is that I still have a lot to learn but that's why I joined the forum!


John, I have gone for the Yokohamas as a fellow I know fitted them to his XK8 before competing in the Targa Tasmania last year and he found them to be excellent both for the Targa and in normal use. I will let you know how I go but the old tyres were on the car when we bought her just over a year ago. They had varying wear and one had cracks on the sidewalls so I expect a significant difference.

 

My wheel bearings were bad. There was lots of play in my front end, but none could be felt in the bearings... but you could hear them when you drove.

Change lanes @ 30 mph with the windows down and you will hear them rumble/howl if they are bad.

 

A bit of an update. I've got my wheels back with the new Yokos fitted and I can confirm there is no play in the bearings with the wheels on. Ungn, I did as you suggested with the lane changing thing and there is no howl or rumble so I think I am OK bearing wise.
Johnken, I have not been for any long trips on the new boots but on the short trips I have done the new boots do seem quieter. I haven't given it any wellie on the corners as yet so I can't really tell you too much about how they handle. But so far so good. We are into winter down here and the farmers plaster the minor roads with mud so I have laid the car up to get minor dents fixed (paintless dent removal), replace the headlining, replace the third brakelight, repair the headrests and an overall polish and wax.