Slight freeplay in O/S/F wheel bearing

[Guest]

Hello Porka peeps []

Got my 3.2 booked in for a 12k service at JZM in a couple of weeks (its first service since I've owned the car), and have been looking back through the service history to see what else I could mention to them in case they need to get the parts in before I give them the car.

I just noticed that the last 3 services (not with JZM) all make mention of play or slight freeplay in the offside front wheel bearing. It's obviously not been dealt with yet and so I'm wondering why not - I mean, it's not been done for those 3 years yet either because it can wait or because it's expensive, I suppose. All it does say is that it needs attention - and it hasn't had any, so I don't know why it hasn't.

What say you?

John

 

[plhorner]

John,
I think you can adjust the front wheel bearings to an extent (I might be wrong though). I which case, unless its starting to rumble a little I just nip it up again!
Save your money for more pressing matters..... there normally are some arrising from a service[]

 

[Guest]

OK thanks Phil! Fingers crossed on the problems yet to find, then...

 

[Guest]

John,
Given the fact that a new bearing will set you back around 15 to 18 big ones, and that it is probably one of THE easyest jobs to do on the Porka; why don't you do it your self?
Porsche method to check if the bearing is tight enough is to nudge the washer behind the axle nut; if you can just move it round, then tension is OK. a tub of grease and some basic tools.
JZ are great guys - but hey - do they know how to charge - like a wounded bull?![:'(]

 

[Guest]

Hi Peter,

Ah... why don't I do it myself... ahem... well... thing is, although I'm eager to learn how to do stuff like tighten up wheel bearings, change the oil, check oil leaks and fix where possible, change filters and wotnot, I feel embarrassed to admit that I'm pretty much a novice when it comes to any of that!

I'd love to be able to do all these things and more but really I need someone to take me round the car and tell me where things are, what they do, what I can do to maintain them properly, tell me about preventative care and check-ups that I can do personally, etc.

I'm sure there are members who'd be willing to help out a total n00b like myself, Bones has offered in the past and I hope the offer still stands now that I've got a bit of time off work on holiday (Bones, what say you?), and I hope there are other members in the Watford, Herts, area that I can get to meet and show me what's what. Sounds like you know what to do with the wheel bearings Peter, just a pity you're in the Isle of Man mate!

John

 

[bones]

I'd love to meet up and discuss your car John but this brings up the subject of the 'Porsche Buddies' scheme too. For those who know how it works fine for those who don't look at
http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=51362
If there is an enthusiastic response from the club then I would like the scheme to include more technical manuals and tools for loan by the club, including special tools, engine stands, quality jacks etc lent out with a deposit refunded when returned. We should also ask companies such as JZ , Autofarm etc. if they would be willing to have a moring here and there to explain the ins and outs of servicing particular models. If they are unwilling then perhaps we should be creative and find a way to hire a workshop for a morning/day. The problems of insurance cost etc would have to be overcome but when is anything worth doing easy?
John if you haven't already buy the Bentley manual and Wayne Demsey's 101 projects book
The factory manual is hard work I find. Get my no from the back of Porsche Post and we'll meet up.

 

[Guest]

Cheers Bones. I'd somehow missed that posting for the 'Porsche Buddies' scheme, so have just been reading through it. Smashing idea and I've added a spanner to my sig, as I'm dead keen to get to learn as much as I possibly can.

Have got the Dempsey book you mentioned, though as a n00b it's a tad daunting at first but I've got the will and the enthusiasm so no worries. Will get the Bentley book as soon as I can.

Looking forward to having a chat soon and arranging a meet! []

 

[Guest]

John,

I see you are in Watford, which isnt far from me (Harpenden). Do you to the local branch? Region 21 they meet next Tuesday. I have adjusted my wheel bearings in the past and done a few jobs, so would be happy to meet up and talk to it if you like.

Cheers

hugh

 

[Guest]

Thanks Hugh, I'm planning to go along to the R21 meeting on Tuesday so I'll look forward to meeting you and having a chat!

 

[Guest]

John,

I had a rather unfortunate incident with my O/S/F wheel bearing. Mr car was (in my opinion) running fine, with no grinding noises, pulling left or right, or squealing - nothing to suggest I had any problems with my wheel bearings. I have my car serviced regularly every 6000 miles and at the last service I had my O/S/F bearing adjusted.

Coming to work one afternoon I heard a clunk then a massive grinding noise. The car lurched toward the curb and the brake pedal went dead. My wheel bearing had disintegrated!

Depsite stopping the car immediately the upshot was a damaged stub axle, resulting in a bill for £1000 to repair the damage.

Despite the fact I was told my garage had only seen this once before, based on my experience, I would replace the bearing whilst it is only a £50 job!