I just finished some front suspension work on my 97 XK8 convertible. After I torqued the wheels down, I noticed very slight side to side, rocking movement on the right wheel. This would indicate to me a bearing issue. I replaced both front bearings about 15k ago. Could the bearing be on its way out already, or is there another cause that I need to consider? Thanks.

 

Rocking side to side will be track rod. Rocking up and down (ie, with hands at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock) is wheel bearings.

 

Thank you. I will check that out.

 

Side to side rocking could also be the upper wishbone bushes on the long fulcrum bolt - when they wear/fail the wishbone and therefore the wheel can move around.

 

That’s a good point. But I just replaced the upper control arm bushings, the upper ball joint, the sway bar bushings, and the sway bar end links. It was when I was putting everything back together that I noticed the play in the wheel. Since I just replaced the wheel bearings 15,000 miles ago, I’m hoping it’s the tie rod end. That looks to be a little bit easier job than changing out the bearing again.