Front Wheel bearing..

[greggonzo1]

Driving down the road I hear a clicking sound every so often. While turning I hear some small popping. This is coming from the Driver Side front wheel. I lifted the bronco and am able to wiggle top to bottom about .25-.5 inch. My understanding is that this is a wheel bearing. Is their an innner and outer bearing? how do I know which it is?

The brakes were replaced (drum) about 5,000 miles ago (someone else did the work) and I am wondering if they didnt tighten the wheel bearing enough?

Can I just remove everything that needs to be removed, to get to the wheel bearing and tighten it up? Or does it need to be replaced? I know there is a race as well how do I check if that is ok, or it if needs to be replaced? I do have a socket that has the prongs on it.... This is one of the few things on the bronco I have not messed with yet.

Thanks in advance

 

[tcb-1]

There are two bearings, and inner and an outer. When you replaced the brakes, did the mechanic also replace the bearings?

If the bearings were replaced, there are certain steps that must be taken to assure the bearings are seated.

However, if the bearing were not replaced, the mechanic might not have tightened the outer adjustment nut down properly.

There are a few factors in play here. The best bet is for you to put it on a jack and remove the hub, piece by piece.

 

[broncnaz]

You'll have to pull it apart and make sure the bearings are still good. Sometimes they are sometimes they are toast. With 1/4-1/2" of play Id kinda suspect they are toast.

 

[tcb-1]

Yep, another vote for toasted bearings. But they are cheap and the teardown and build up is fairly straightforward. You already have the adjustment nut socket which is really the only special tool you'll need (a set of snap ring pliers are nice though).

And after you have this rebuild completed, you'll have another vital Bronco skill in your hip pocket