Small amount of play in the wheel

[Cheburashka]

95 4.0 2WD

Had some play in the wheel so I changed out the tie rods, both ball joints, and also the sway bar link (came in a suspension rebuild kit from 1A Auto so why not).

Anyway I have no side to side play but have a really small amount of up/down play when I shake the wheel around on a loaded suspension.

Bearings? Should I worry about it?

 

[Dirtman]

I would definitely check the wheel bearings. If they look like they are in good shape, just grease them and re-set the preload and see if that takes the slack out. I believe its tighten to 20 foot pounds and spin the wheel, then back off and re tighten to 10-12 INCH pounds (basically a hair passed finger tight). They do wear and create slack over time so even if they don't need to be replaced it's always good to reset them now and then.

 

[Shadowrider6661]

"Unsolicited Advice" You should also make sure your ball joints aren't the problem. If you raise each tire just off the ground, place a flat bar under each tire (one side at a time) and pry up. You will feel play if the ball joints are bad. This is how my father taught me to check, he was a professional mechanic back in my youth.

 

[Cheburashka]

Thanks. Ball joints are definitely good.

I'll take a look at the bearings a bit later too.

Mcuh appreciated.