I noticed when my car was jacked up the front wheel had play in it when I moved it from side to side.What could this be?Could an average Joe fix this? Cost? Thanks Larry P.S. This is a 2004 Malibu LT
Take a look again at the outer tie rod upon moving the wheel side to side. It it does show play take it in and have it done. You will need a front wheel alignment afterwards if the tie rod is replaced. The cost to have this done can be from $200 to $300 depending where you live
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Sounds like your rotors or wheel bearings are wore out ... Jack up the front end and take the wheel and try to move it up and down and side to side if there is play then replace the wheel bearing on the side with play ..
From your description sounds like you have a bad wheel bearing , Jack the vehicle up put your hand at 12 and 6 o'clock push and pull to check for play in wheel bearing also spin wheel and listen for noise ,check all 4
It could possibly be the wheel bearing. Or it could be an inner or outer tie rod. To check the wheel bearing, jack up that side o the car and try to rock the wheel from top to bottom. If there is any play, the bearing is bad. I there is no play up and down, then try to rock the wheel side to side. Play here usually indicates a bad tie rod.
The most common of all problems in a steering system is excessive steering wheel play. Steering wheel play is normally caused by worn ball sockets, worn idler arm, or too much clearance in the steering gearbox. Typically, you shou Id not be able to turn the steering wheel more than 1 1/ 2 inches without causing the front wheels to move. If the steering wheel rotates excessively, a serious steering problem exists.
An effective way to check for play in the steering linkage or rack-and-pinion mechanism is by the dry-park test. With the full weight of the vehicle on the front wheels, have someone move the steering wheel from side to side while you examine the steering system for looseness. Start your inspection at the steering column shaft and work your way to the tie-rod ends. Ensure that the movement of one component causes an equal amount of movement of the adjoining component.
Watch for ball studs that wiggle in their sockets. With a rack-and-pinion steering system, squeeze the rubber boots and feel the inner tie rod to detect wear. If the tie rod moves sideways in relation to the rack, the socket is worn and should be replaced.
Another way of inspecting the steering system involves moving the steering components and front wheel BY HAND. With the steering wheel locked, raise the vehicle and place it on jack stands. Then force the front wheels right and left while checking for component looseness.
Im not sure what year ,make or model car this is but the noise you speak of sounds like a bad wheel bearing , you said its in the front so it would be a front wheel bearing the next step would be to find out what side, this noise will increase as your speed does. the wheel bearing will need to be checked. you can jack up one side at a time and check the wheel for play, most times the wheel bearing will slack up due to wear, with wheel up grab the top and bottom and see if it moves and this may help locate the bad one, if theres no play in front wheel then you wheel need to jack both wheels off the ground and run them as you listen for noise.good day.
Correct diagnosis, but make sure it isn't the left bearing. Jack the car up and check both wheels for play. If no play, start and put in drive (while still jacked up off both wheels), and listen to each side for the noise.
A worn tie rod end Check them for play with the wheels up in the air jacked up securely If you can move the tire in a turning motion you can see the tie rod socket flex if worn
If you make a hard right or left hand turn (with steering wheel turned until it stops) you'll hear and feel a pop sensation.When you drive over potholes you'll feel a slight pull to one side.If it is one of the upper balljoints,you can grab the tire with both hands near the top(11 and 1 o'clock) and pull the wheel back and forth.You will feel looseness if the upper balljoint is bad.
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