Yesterday, I took off my front wheels to have new tires placed on. When i replaced the wheel, I noticed a little bit of play when i shook my left front wheel in the 9-3 o'clock direction. When shaking from the 12-6 o'clock direction, i had no movement. I cannot for the life of me remember if this is a wheel bearing, tie rod, lower ball joint or something else issue. Can someone fill me in?
What causes this front wheel movement?
- Thread starter 3D FJ
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
9/3 would be tie rod ends or steering related components
Or rack and pinion steering bushings
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2014
- Threads
- 94
- Messages
- 3,042
- Location
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Website
- www.facebook.com
While you move it at 9/3 take a peek behind the wheel and if you see the tie rod moving at all then that's your problem. If not then is there any play in your steering wheel?
- Thread starter
- #6
I will be taking a look later today. Should I have both wheels off the ground, one wheel off the ground? Should I have the steering wheel locked (when key is not in ignition)? Let's say I see the tie rod moving, should I replace them on both sides or just one and should I go oem tie rod if that's the case?
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2014
- Threads
- 94
- Messages
- 3,042
- Location
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Website
- www.facebook.com
Usually when I test for bearings/tie rods I have at least both front wheels off the ground and sometimes all of them. That's only because I test it when it's on a hydraulic lift at my local mechanics shop. I do not believe it matters though since our trucks have IFS. No need to lock the wheel just have it centered when you lift it. Might as well replace both for preventative measures if you notice one is worn since most likely the opposite will be going out soon.
- Thread starter
- #8
Today, i took one wheel off at a time as i was putting my wheels with new tires on. My brother took this crappy cell phone video, but it does show movement. Can any of you tell me what's possibly going on? The video shows me taking the wheel at 9 and 3 and moving the tire inboard and outboard (as if someone were turning the steering wheel but no one was) I'm guessing that there should be no movement? That's just a guess but i hope i'm wrong.
video
video
D
Last week I had my whole steering rack replaced and realignment. Didn't know it was bad until my wife brought it in to get inspected. Steering feels much tighter than it did before.
Are you leaking any fluid? If you need a comparison what it should be like, give me a call. maybe I can swing by sometime this weekend.
G
Last week I had my whole steering rack replaced and realignment. Didn't know it was bad until my wife brought it in to get inspected. Steering feels much tighter than it did before.
Are you leaking any fluid? If you need a comparison what it should be like, give me a call. maybe I can swing by sometime this weekend.
G
- Thread starter
- #12
Thanks G. I have no leaks that i'm aware of. I just happened to notice wheel movement in the 9/3 position when i was removing the wheels. I'll probably message you this weekend. Heading out east sat and sun. thanks.
Thank you.