Front bearings question

[kyngfish]

I recently did a full suspension refresh on my Carrera. I did NOT replace the front bearings, as they didn’t have any play prior to the refresh, however, now I am hearing a bit of a clunking noise going over bumps in the front like something is loose. When I jack up the car I got a little play in the front bearing. Thinking maybe I just didn’t tighten the nut enough, I tightened it back up according to the manual, and then turned the Allen key on the lock nut according to spec.

A week later, the noise returns. I check the wheel, and the play is back.

That said, I’m not getting any kind of chatter or noise from the bearing, and it looked pretty good before. Anything else to check, or something I’m missing before I just replace the bearings? Do the spindles wear out? Pack with more grease?

[David Inc.]

Not to hijack, but I've fought what might be a similar noise for a while. Does it ever sound like the clicking in this video? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAlq-9bp04g

[kyngfish]

Originally Posted by David Inc.

Not to hijack, but I've fought what might be a similar noise for a while. Does it ever sound like the clicking in this video? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAlq-9bp04g

I thought at first yes, but that clicking is weird. Mine was more the banging of something loose. I actually just fixed it.

Ended up not being the bearing. The nut on top of the shock was loose and it was banging around. Not good, but resolved now.

If i were troubleshooting yours, I would start checking bolts around the sway bar and see if something is loose and that’s the sound of something clicking against the threads as it flexes.

[Locker537]

Originally Posted by kyngfish

I thought at first yes, but that clicking is weird. Mine was more the banging of something loose. I actually just fixed it.

Ended up not being the bearing. The nut on top of the shock was loose and it was banging around. Not good, but resolved now.

If i were troubleshooting yours, I would start checking bolts around the sway bar and see if something is loose and that’s the sound of something clicking against the threads as it flexes.

Glad you figured it out.

I'll add, as I recently had to diagnose a loose front wheel bearing, the symptom you will feel/hear is a clunk when transitioning from steering left to right (or right to left). I could feel it in the steering wheel as well. If they are very loose, you may experience an occasional soft brake pedal as the rotor is moving around in the caliper. I did not experience the latter.