Front Wheel Bearing Problem ??

ricklove

ricklove

Senior Member
Already posted on the HAMB, but I know there are some very knowledgeable folks here that might chime in also.


1948 Ford Tudor Sedan w/Heidts IFS, ZZ4 crate engine, and T350 trans with about 20k miles on build. While changing spark plugs, I noticed some movement on the passenger side front wheel. Has significant movement when pushing/shoving left & right, but virtually none when trying to move up & down. Have not yet removed wheel, etc, but thinking it might be loose or bad front wheel bearing. Any thoughts, ideas, specific things to look at? Many thanks!!
 
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I would start by checking wheel bearing play, then worn out tie rod ends, then king pins.
Also check lug nuts.

This assumes you have stock front suspension.
 
Have you tried tightening the bearing? Very easy to do and no need to remove the wheel. And as 19Forty posted, then move to the tie rod ends, steering link, king pins, steering box, etc.
 
He states Heidts IFS so no kingpins .Instead Ball joints and A arm bushings.Heidts might also have the answers.
 
deuce lover said:
He states Heidts IFS so no kingpins .Instead Ball joints and A arm bushings.Heidts might also have the answers.
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Good catch deuce lover! Not sure why you would ask an IFS question on this forum. I would assume rack and pinion steering, so that might be an issue.
 
Just get it in a position where you can investigate it. Get someone to work the steering while you look and feel for the source of the free play. Jack it up and push and pull the wheel about. keep checking it using the other side as a reference.
It's a generic problem, nothing to do with early fords or MIIs just treat it like any car. It has a problem, keep looking until you can isolate it.

If it is the wheel bearings, it is a simple adjustment.

Mart.
 
I'm sorry if the 1st paragraph of my inquiry wasn't clear. I identified the problem (with your input) as being the threaded rod coming out of the rack & pinion. When I "jiggle" the hub right & left, the play is coming from this part. I'll call Heidts tomorrow for further info. Again, thanks for the timely responses.
 
ricklove said:
I'm sorry if the 1st paragraph of my inquiry wasn't clear. I identified the problem (with your input) as being the threaded rod coming out of the rack & pinion. When I "jiggle" the hub right & left, the play is coming from this part. I'll call Heidts tomorrow for further info. Again, thanks for the timely responses.
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There should be a jamb nut on that threaded part of the tie rod end. Also are you sure the tie rod ends are long enough? The threaded end of the rack should go into the tie rod end at least an inch. There are two different tie rod ends used on the Mustang II depending on the width of the crossmember. On your car you should probably have the longer ends.
 
ricklove said:
I'm sorry if the 1st paragraph of my inquiry wasn't clear. I identified the problem (with your input) as being the threaded rod coming out of the rack & pinion. When I "jiggle" the hub right & left, the play is coming from this part. I'll call Heidts tomorrow for further info. Again, thanks for the timely responses.
Click to expand...


Any noticeable play the threaded portion of a tie rod is dangerous. It could strip out the next bump/pothole you hit. Aftermarket parts are notorious for poor quality. Should have kept the original Ford suspension!
 
40 Deluxe said:
Any noticeable play the threaded portion of a tie rod is dangerous. It could strip out the next bump/pothole you hit. Aftermarket parts are notorious for poor quality. Should have kept the original Ford suspension!
Click to expand...


Thank you for your words of wisdom and experience.
 
After talking with Heidts, I'm 99% confident that it's the inner tie rod link. I thank you for your input and technical expertise. I also recognize the strange transition from me being a 2nd class "tinkerer" to a slightly below entry level mechanic as a result of my recent purchase of a 2 post Rotary lift.
 
Interesting... I was told my almost new tie rod links were sloppy after I had my truck inspected by a NHRA safety inspector this summer. He said that he had found a couple of other cars with the same deal, newer links that should not be sloppy. Now I just need to find a good USA mfg'd set.
 
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