12-6 Movement in Front Wheels

[fastfrontier17]

Hi guys,

I planned on just replacing my steering cross tube as the tie rods don't appear to be too bad, but now that my S2 is jacked up I can feel a small amount of movement when pushing/pulling the front wheels in the 12-6 direction. Is the more likely to be the upper ball joints, or the wheel bearings? Car has the stock wires with around 72K original miles, and the movement is near identical between the two.

 

[Gordon Holsinger]

Hi guys,

I planned on just replacing my steering cross tube as the tie rods don't appear to be too bad, but now that my S2 is jacked up I can feel a small amount of movement when pushing/pulling the front wheels in the 12-6 direction. Is the more likely to be the upper ball joints, or the wheel bearings? Car has the stock wires with around 72K original miles, and the movement is near identical between the two.

First check your wheel bearings for end float re grease if necessary. For ball joints put the wheel on and put a lever under the wheel and check for vertical play.

 

[RootesRooter]

On more than one occasion I've had to convince a skeptical autocross tech inspector that ALL Sunbeam bearings are on the loose side. You can buy ultra-thin shims to take up some of the slack for those times when turning the axle nut another flat would make it too tight.

 

[Tim R]

This video may help you.

Tim R