Front wheel play: Up & Down, not side-to-side
 

On my '88 carrera, I notice that both front wheels have slight but noticeable play in the vertical axis but none in the horizontal axis. The play is the same whether the wheel is loaded or not. I cannot see any movement in the balljoint (unloaded), the car drives fine and makes no odd noises.

I am assuming that this is not a wheel bearing (no side-to-side play). What it "feels" like is play in the strut or between the strut and the shock insert. It's also wierd that both wheels have it.

Anybody else notice this? I couldn't find a spec in Bentley for wheel play.

TIA

Sounds exactly like wheel bearing play. Re-pack your bearings and re-set play per the Bently manual.

I had this and it took me hours to realize that it was a slightly loose ball joint. I must not have tightened the giant nut on the bottom tight enough when I rebuilt the suspension.

Pat

As you indicated, usually if, when pushing @ 3 and 9 o'clock there is movement, it's the bearings. 6 and 12=other, such as suspension or ball joints.

I have noticed a similar issue with mine. I knew something else was the issue when after tightening the bearings past the point of being able to move the washer that something else was wrong. For referance the ball joints and wheel bearings are pretty new. I pulled the rotor off and inspected the spindle shaft, and low and behold there was a small step worn on the underside of the shaft where the outer bearing rides, and the area where the inner rides looked pretty crappy (like the bearing had spun) but there was no step. I need a new strut unfortunately.

I've seen this before w/ Boge struts. Thought it was a loose bearing, but happened to be the insert retaining nut at the top of the strut, under the dust cover.

If after checking all these things....take the wheel off and inspect the spindle. There may be 12 and 6 o'clock wear not evident at 3 and 9. Mike it at 90 degree intervals and see.
If so, probably time for a new strut housing. Or....build up and regrind the spindle back to spec as equal diameter at all 4 clock positions.


Wil

I had the loose nut problem on the other side of the car before. Even after it was tight, I'm not 100% happy with the amount of play.

Wil is it really possible to repair the spindle by building it up and regrinding? Who does it? Cost?

I haven't done it but have heard it can be done.....

Wil