Sign of worn bearings or u-joint?

[jtm703]

Found something odd while checking my front brake pads...

If I grab the wheel studs and move them, they will move left and right while the brake rotor remains stationary.

My first thought was that a u-joint or bearings might be worn (causing my death wobble at 45). I was going to have the wheels rebalanced and aligned, but think I need to check into this more, first.

Or, is this normal, and I just didn't notice on my other Jeeps??

*scratching my head*

 

[TerryMason]

You're studs shouldn't be able to move. Is your entire hub moving, or just the studs? I believe that studs on a TJ are just pressed in from behind, so the holes may have just wallowed out.

 

[jtm703]

Everything behind the brake rotor was moving. So, yeah, I guess the hub was moving as well.

I'll take the tire off when I get home, and try to post pics. This was on the front driver's side, if that makes any difference.

 

[bobcat481]

Is the bolts that hold the hub on tight? Just a thought.

 

[jtm703]

Weird...everything seems to be tight. The U-joint appears solid, and the bearings aren't grinding or resisting. Everything moves in unison when I move the bolts...except the rotor...even the front driveshaft. The first pic below shows the bolt cantered to one side of the hole, and in the next you can see the bolt chocked to the other side. I'm stumped.

 

[SteelHeadz]

It's normal to see those in your pictures on that condition. The rotors are a separate unit from the hub and bearing assembly and the center hub lip is what keeps the rotor centered and the wheel and lug nuts is what keeps it tight.

 

[jtm703]

Ah, cool. I'll quit worrying about it, then. Thanks!

 

[Crazy4diesels]

Yes, normal... And desireable... This means your rotors are not rust welded to the hubs. When the time comes to change them they'll come right off. It can get pretty ugly when they rust together into one fused unit. -John