While I had the 96 Disco (83K miles) up on a lift welding in new converters today I was checking on any other components needing renewing. I noticed a little verticle play in both front wheels (grabbing the wheel at 12 and 6). But NOTHING while trying to create movement in any other position. It is in the hub as I had my buddy (garage owner) feel the rotor and it is moving as well. It is not significant movement and there are no odd noises when driving or static spinning while on the lift.... Wheel bearings? Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

Sure, when did you last repack/replace the bearings? They are supposed to be done every 30K. While you are at it, service your swivels and reset the pre load. Also if the rears haven't been done rebuild/replace the rear bearings also.

 

actually not the wheel bearings but the swivel ball slack is too much. You can tighten up the wheel bearing but it will come back. Basically the preload in the upper bearing has to be tightened up by adding shims. At the same time its not a bad idea to repack them if they haven't been but the two bolts that hold down the swivel ball bearing is causing the issue.

 

Thanks Guys. I'll check and repack/replace bearings (which was on the list) and check swivel ball slack (didn't know about this one). I'm still working through P.O's neglect and learning about LR's. I'll be under it doing bushings next weekend anyway getting it ready for new tires.

 

The pre-load is tightened by removing shims from the upper swivel pin. If you fill your swivel housing with grease instead of gear lube, you won't need to remove the swivel bearing to re-pack it. BTW, there is only a lower swivel bearing, the upper is a pin and bushing.

 

X2 what Kenk said, you'll love doing the hub repack (really).

I'd get a 52mm socket (1/2" drive) to torque the hub nuts for preload of the bearings.

Also new hub seals(2).

If you've got diff oil leaking into hub bearings, (I did on pass side) I wouldn't freak out, as some people don't use the inner axle seal.

The worst that happens is the oil keeps the bearings lubed (check diff oil level,tho')

then re-seat your front abs wheel sensors.

luck,greg

 

If you have movement holding the wheel at 12 and 6, but not at 9 and 3, then it's your swivel pins and not hub bearings. Hub bearing play will reveal itself in all positions.
I wouldn't fool around removing shims. That's a temporary fix when you're short of money or time. If you have the time and money now, just get a swivel pin rebuild kit and do it right.

 

Actually, I'm pretty much greasy on weekends.... If it's not one of the tractors, 3 Saabs, 67 MG, old Chevy truck or Disco, it's someone elses... It's usually by choice though, it's how I unwind....

Anti-
I haven't looked up the spec yet but I measured movement at .053"on the drivers side and .067" on the passenger. If the components warrent renewal, that will be the course I take. This seems to be getting the most use from my wife out of our fleet (next to the vert), so I'm trying to get it as reliable as I understandably can.

Thanks to All

 

There should be 0.0" movement in the swivel pins.

 

Got it. Thanks....