Front Hub play

[AndyH]

Hi,

I've been plagued by play on the front hubs pretty much right from day 1.

I've recently changed both bearing sets, tightened them up to what I think is the right amount and still I have play.

Even when obviously too tight there is still some movement..

I can see the hub moving relative to the outer bearing and leaves me thinking that the stub shaft dia. is slightly small and the bearing is actually moving in the clearance.

It's all back together now so I've not checked any dimensions.

The uprights were off a 2.0L FIAT 132 (I took them off myself) and the bearing set I'm using is for this car (QWB242).

Anyone else noticed a problem like this... Same on both wheels.

Andrew:(

[Cadami]

Hi Andy, "tightened them up to what I think is the right amount and still I have play".

I was a little old guard and tightened then up, 1 flat back etc.... Reading the threads on the web, it seems they should be tightened up well, off load.. All seems well now... Have a read..

[AndyH]

Hi,
I can tighten them up tight (say 25lbft and the hub starting to lock up) and I can still get some movement... More difficult, but still there.

I think it's now so tight that the nut on the washer that it's simply clamped the whole lot tight, but the movement is still there.

[strat24v]

sounds like either a worn stub axle, incorrect bearing or faulty hub.

[turbonutter]

Hi Andy,

As john says , it sounds like something is worn, assuming you have all the correct parts. The outer race of bearings should need to be tapped into the hub, if you can just drop them in then the hub is worn. Similarly the inner races should be a snug fit on the axle if not the axle is worn or its the wrong bearing.

Here is a U tube clip from a fiat 124, but its basically the same as a 132 (I think). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LC9MxUCvI8

[AndyH]

Thanks guys,

The hub looks fine and the bearings are new, so looks like a worn stub shaft.
I'll strip and check at some point.
More expense!

[Sando]

How are you testing it Andy? If its with the wheel on and gripping top and bottom, check the top wishbone rose joint for play too, I had one with play after just a few thousand miles. Also bottom ball joints, but that's normally 'up and down' wear, but I've had to replace those too over time. Normally can't go wrong with tapered bearing unless the wear out and rumble.
Rob

[AndyH]

Hi Rob,
It's top and bottom as well as side to side.. I've checked the rose joints and they seem OK.
I'm pretty sure it's the stub axle... With the grease cap off, I can actually see a very small amount of movement.. the hub to the washer behind the nut.
I need to strip / check, but I think this is the problem.
I've asked Gerry for a cost for new.. also going to see if I can get them done through work via Metal Spraying and machine / grind back to size.
Andrew

[ChrisCar6]

Which side is it Andy? I have a spare offside front Hawk upright.

[Cadami]

Same on both wheels Chris..

[AndyH]

Hi,
Yes, both wheels... offside is worst. I can get some metal spraying done through work and am also seeing a couple of guys at the weekend who run an engineering business, so can discuss options.
£430 all in from Gerry for a re-furbished pair c/w extension.
Regards
Andrew

[AndyH]

Latest update,

After advice, both front hubs were ground back and hard chromed (rather than metal spraying) with a final grind to a nice snug, sliding fit on the front bearings.

Local engineering company did it for me...

Perfect now... No play at all. Very pleased.

Andrew