John,

I have a follow up question on this topic:

When replacing the front bearings, can they be removed without a puller?
or are they pressed into the rotor?
I also assume that new rotors are likely to come with races included?

thanks -john

John Rodgers wrote:
> Two different problems. The real key to correct tightness of the wheel
> is whether it turns free when the nut is tight. To tight, it won't turn
> or it will bind in turning.
>
> The same checking action is used to check the ball joints. If they are
> loose you will be able to see it.
>
> Regards,
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver
>
> monte merrick wrote:
>> its my understanding from reading more than hands on that a clunk and
>> wiggle associated with front wheel is due to ball joints.
>>
>> monte
>>
>>
>> On Apr 29, 2006, at 8:42 PM, John Rodgers wrote:
>>
>> Check the wheel for play by jacking the vehicle up, then grabbing the
>> top and bottom of the wheel in question and rock it back and forth. If
>> there is any play at all, see if tightening the nut helps. If not, then
>> pull the wheel and whatever else, clean and inspect with a good light
>> and magnifying glass,  the bearings and the races for wear - grooves
>> and/or pitting. If found, replace the races and the bearings. The races
>> can be removed with a flat tip punch and new ones installed using the
>> old race, a block of wood, and a heavy hammer.
>>
>> DO NOT use the old axle nuts. Get new ones. These nuts are a special
>> locking type and once used lose they safety margin.
>>
>> BTW, usually, but not always, a front wheel bearing develops a growl or
>> whine when it is worn. Not a  clunk. I suppose it's possible for it to
>> clunk if  you have worn the thing beyond the growl stage, or, if the
>> axle nut is not sufficiently tight.
>>
>> Good luck,
>>
>> John Rodgers
>> 88 GL Driver
>>
>> robert shawn feller wrote:
>>> I can notice a very slight play/clunk when I wiggle either front wheel
>>> what
>>> is most likely a wheel bearing. Its not tire rods/steering.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On a vanagon is this a simple need for a repack or is any play a
>>> definite
>>> need for a new bearing? There is no sound what so ever coming from the
>>> bearing.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Sahwn
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> "I long ago lost a hound, a bay horse, and a turtle dove, and am still
>> on their trail. Many are the travelers I have spoken to concerning
>> them, describing their tracks and what calls they answered to. I have
>> met one or two who had heard the hound, and the tramp of the horse, and
>> even seen the dove disappear behind a cloud, and they seemed as anxious
>> to recover them as if they had lost them themselves." - henry thoreau
>>
>>