Have Front Bearing Problem

[wjdunn3]

I am having a problem with my outer front bearings, both of them. Here is what is going on: I have had this HARD vibration mainly from the front right when applying the brake. I feel the vibrating mainly through the brake pedal and a little through the steering. I starts when the brakes get warmed up (the first few cold stops I feel no vibration). The rotors have been turned and are not worn down anywhere close to the min. thickness.
Last night I started taking apart the front right: First, the wheel was tight; all bolts tight. I checked the brake caliper: tight, bolts still very tight (little safty tab still bent over the side of each). Pulled the pad: even wear, nothing unusual. took off the caliper. Removed hub cap. It was still sealed, no evidence of water or dirt entry. The hub clamp nut was tight. I was not able to feel any play in the bearing/hub assembly. Removed the hub clamp nut and washer. both look good. As I looked in at the outer bearing I notice that it looks egg shaped. I removed it. The outer edge of the bearing appears to have been crushed from two points not 180dg from each point. the inside edge look to be still round. The inboard bearing looks fine. no symptoms of wear.
It is as if when the brakes is applied, this causes the rotor/hub to somehow "wobble" a bit and bang up the outer bearing. However, I cannot feel any play when I reasemble per the Haynes book instructions, bit still have the same vibration.
The left front exihibits the same outer bearing problem also.
Has anybody had this same kind of problem?

[This message has been edited by wjdunn3 (edited 07-07-1999).]

[wjdunn3]

Help...Pretty Please!?

[John Rogers]

Sounds like it is time to get both front wheel bearing sets replaced. I sounds like the last bearings were not put in correctly (hammer ?) or they may have just worn out. At any rate wheel bearings are one of the few things I have a shop do since they can mik all parts. press things in true and check the caliper/pad alignment to the rotor. On both the 914s we have there is a very slight amount of play or wobble and I guess it is due to the ball bearings used and not a tapered roller like lots of cars have.

[This message has been edited by john rogers (edited 07-02-99).]

[wjdunn3]

Well, I still have not figured it out. The hub spindle is in great shape (no gouges, bluing, etc).

Does the orientation of the tabbed thrust washer make any difference? It has a flat side with sharp edges and the other side has all rounded edges.

Could my problem be a Ball Joint problem?
How does a bad Ball Joint manifest itself?

I reassembled the whole thing with new bearings and races. I tightened the clamp nut until I could just move the thrust washer when i pryed on it. The wheel feels fairly tight. It does not spin freely, nor make any grind/grating noises. Still have the same symptoms, though not nearly as bad.
I inspected the Ball Joints. The rubber cover is still intact. I did not take them out though. Steering tie rods are tight (just replaced 9 mos. ago).
Anybody have any suggestions? New rotors would be next I guess!?
[This message has been edited by wjdunn3 (edited 07-07-1999).]

[This message has been edited by wjdunn3 (edited 07-07-1999).]

[Wayne 962]

Hi there. Certainly sounds like a bearing problem to me. Since the car is under load when you are braking, you will find play there (with the weight of the car) that you wouldn't normally find with the car up in the air. Plus you might not be able to feel the gap because the suspension is unloaded. I'd say replace the bearings.

Another thought is to switch or replace the pads. In fact, I would do that first, just to eliminate the easiest solution. Try switching left/right pads, or use a new set if you have one, and see how that changes the problem...

Hope this helps,

Wayne

------------------
Pelican Parts has the best in both Parts and Tech Support. Support Pelican with your Parts Purchases and help support the site!