clunk when pulling on front wheels at 12 o'clock
 

checking things out in prep for my first auto-x tomorrow and when pulling on the top of the front wheels (both!) hard enough i get a 'clunk'. have to pull/push pretty good but it's definitely there.

1-if it's bearings can i get what i need at the local advanced auto parts store?

2-is it possible they may just need to be tightened? If so how?

3-is there a secondary way to diagnose this to be sure it's bearings? i had my wife pull/push the tire and crawled underneath but all i can tell is it SEEMS to be coming from the hub/brake area and not elsewhere on the strut assembly.

Help!!!!!!


Erik

Thoughts
 

#1, I doubt it. Most of these auto part stores will not carry something like that at all. It would either be from the dealer or someone like our host.

#2, This could be it, but most likely not. You will have to take off the center hub cover and then see if the allen key and clamp is loose. There are many posts with pictures on the hubs and how to get them off/on so that should help you out if your new to this area of the car.

#3, you are probably correct. If it is your bearings, you would need to buy new bearing along with a new race. You cannot purchase one without the other as they mate together with wear and you want the new ones to do the same. If you only use one of them the other will wear very fast and you will ruin the new part along with the old one.

See if it's loose first.

Hope this helps,
Bryan

Sounds like a loose wheel bearing.

There is a 'real Porsche' procedure for tightening them. I snug them up and back them off 1/4 turn. If you're ambitious you could also grease them. Otherwise it's pretty simple.

I sure a search will make me look like a heretic.

There is a washer under the bearing / axle nut - try to move it back & forth with a screwdriver (just push it around - don't use a fulcrum point to do this!). If it moves, tighten the bearing up a bit more. When you can't push the washer back & forth anymore, back off until you can push it around again - that's the right setting. It should result in very barely noticeable play in the front wheel (maybe 1/64" to 1/32").

Whoever does your tech inspection will probably check the bearing adjustment anyway - you can always have them correct it and watch how they do it.

Better a bit too loose than too tight - I spent a cold winter day at a gas station 1/2 way between work and home chiseling a lightly welded bearing race off my Bug's front spindle. How do bearing races get welded to a spindle? Overtightening the bearing can get you there ;)

thanks guys; i'll pull the dust caps and check the nut. i don't really get how a washer would have any play between the nut and outer bearing but perhaps it will make sense when i get in there.

If the play is that noticeable, it could be the bottom of the strut.
Investigate the bearing first: Lift the front and grab the wheel at 12 & 6 o'clock and rock.
When adjusting any play in the front bearing, follow the right procedure. :)

Wheel bearings don't "clunk" even when toasted, check your strut insert flange threaded retainer or steering rack.