911 Carrera (1984) front wheel bearing problem
 

Hi all,

I badly need a few good advices from all you great experts.

I got a 911 Carrera Coupe from 1984, which got diagnosed with front wheel bearing problems in both sides. So I decided firstly to try to tighten them up the clamp on axel, just to see if this would fix the problem. It didn't work, perhaps not the big surprise, but worth a try. Next I decided to buy new wheel bearing and exchange them on both sides.
I've tried it before and followed the good instructions here as before:
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Porsche_911/SUSPEN-Front_Wheel_Bearing_Replacement/SUSPEN-Front_Wheel_Bearing_Replacement.htm

After I finalized the job, and hoped everything was fine. I can still feel and hear there's vertical movement of the wheel bearings. :(

So now I'm lost - what to do?
Anyone who has tried the similar problem and fixed it?

BR
Chris

Let me guess, Bilstein struts?

Theres a bushing inside the strut that the shock insert rides on that wears over time and gives 12:00 / 6:00 wheel play. I chased the play for quite awhile before figuring it out. I'll see if I can find my thread on the issue.

Here it is -

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/1059059-guess-where-substance-came.html

How timely! I just encountered this issue today with Bilstein struts. The bearings did need to be replaced, but there was still play, and it turned out to be the bearing at the top of the strut. I'm just leaving it alone, the car drives fine.

Yup, had the same issue on my 911 a few years ago. Thought it might be wheel bearings at first, it was the Bilstein strut bushings.

I had to replace one of those strut bushings. It's a standard size piece called a linear bearing, I bought maybe a dozen from McMaster-Carr or similar. Used a slide hammer borrowed from my FLAPS to get out the old one. Pressing the new one in was a bit of a pain, but I don't remember what trick I used. Back to no play.

Following up on this, I don't notice the play when I drive the car - only when I grab the wheel at 6/12 o'clock, there is a small amount of play. What is the risk of driving the car like this long-term?

Hi all,

Thanks for the input, it highly appreciated.
Do you have a picture of this "bushing" inside the strut, that you suspect to be the culprit?
I must admit, checking at 12.00 / 6.00 it feel like the play is inside the actual wheel bearing, but in the weekend I'll try to see if it can be within the actual strut, just doesn't feel like it, but it's of course possible.
But if you have a picture of the "bearing", I would surely appreciate it, since I'm not sure I know which one it is from the described text.

Thanks in advance and thanks for helping out. :-)

BR
Chris

IMHO You need a new steering wheel bearing because the plastic bushing has fallen apart. Search for the Mitch leland bushing. I believe that rennline makes it now.

the bushing (spacer) is not inside the strut but at the base of the spindle. When you remove the hub and bearings it is still pressed on the spindle. I also borrowed a gear puller from my FLAPS. to re install heat it up in the oven and it will easily slide down the spindle. replace the "O" ring as well while your in there.

David

Thanks for the input. Perhaps I should have been more clear - I meant the front wheel, not my steering wheel, which is fine (I installed Mitch Leland's bearing replacement about 7 years ago).

Hi Harpo,

Thanks alot!! - Now I believe I now understand what could be the problem. Great. :-)
So you basically say I needed to replace these two parts on both sides:
2 x 90134162300 (Spacer ring)
2 x 99970108450 (O-ring)

Makes sense, this could be a problem. I'll check this tomorrow.

BUT assume this is specifically the problem, does anyone have some hints/instructions on how to remove the Spacer Ring and install the new Spacer Ring?
I haven't tried that before, so some helping info would be GREAT! :-)

Best regards
Chris

Sounds like the thread has gotten off track a little!

PorscheCollecto - the spindle spacer you mention should not wear and cause bearing play like you describe. That is to seat the seal on the inside of the hub. The play you're reporting will likely be either wheel bearings or the Bilstein strut top bushing.

When I discovered this on my 911 racecar, once I realized it wasn't the wheel bearings, I noticed the movement between the shock shaft and the strut housing. But my setup doesn't have the strut top covers, so the strut shaft is exposed and the play was easy to see and feel with a finger. In your case, if it's the strut top bushings, there will be play between the strut top cover and the lower part of the strut. You should be able to detect this play with a finger, if it's your problem.

Actually, it could be something else loose in the suspension, like a ball joint. Doing the shake test like you do for wheel bearings, and looking for where the movement is, will tell you where the problem is.

Hi stownsen914,

Thanks for input and thanks for trying to resolve the problem.
I understand your point. I'll have to check the Bilstein strut top bushing, because it can't be the wheel bearing, since I replace those and the races for brand new ones, and it didn't change anything at all, sadly.
I'll check the Bilstein strut top bushing and see if that the culprit, but honestly it doesn't feel like to be the problem, I assume the "movement" would be fairly easy to spot not being in the wheel bearing but higher in the strut. But for sure I maybe wrong...I hope you're right about the strut top bushing, would be great to finally get it fixed.
Btw - when you say Bilstein strut top bushing, is this the part you talk about: 91134101800 ?

BR
Chris

No, that is not the problem bushing we are talking about. If you look at my earlier reply (2nd from top) I linked a thread that shows exactly what the bushing looks like and how to replace it.

Unfortunately buying the correct bushing is a hassle (industrial parts suppliers with order minimums). Your best bet is to send the strut to Bilstein for refurb.

That is exactly how I discovered the issue. I removed the struts upper dust cover. With it removed it's easy to see and feel the play.

The bushings are called "DU Bushings" I think Elephant racing or Rebel may sell them (~$20 each iirc) or if you have access to industrial parts supplies, I used
"Isostatic Industries M4040TU TU - METRIC 40 X 44 X 40" but I'm not 100% positive this is the exact bushing Bilstein installs.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1612999561.jpg

Have you confirmed that the spacer rings on the axle spindles are in place? When I removed the hubs to renew brakes and bearings on my car they were NOT there! I've no idea how this didn't create an obvious driveability problem (other than one inner bearing had seized onto the spindle and had to be cut off). I am horrified that somebody would remove spacer rings and not replace them, as they take effort to intentionally remove, and are integral to situating the bearing.

Check that your new wheel bearings are tight on the spindle. The spindle itself can wear causing slop.