Hi all, I did some front suspension work on my 85 GT today. Whenever I take off the front wheels I like to verify/check that there is no play in the front rotors. I usually take both hands (at the 12:00 and 6:00 positions) and push-pull on the rotor to verify it’s adjusted right. (they seemed to be adjusted correctly) Anyways, after i put the wheels back on and let the car down, I do the same thing again but by grabbing the tire top and bottom and push/pulling it as well. I was surprised that there was a little play.
Is this acceptable or do I need to go back and tighten the front wheel bearings some more? They didn’t seem to have any play at all when I grabbed the rotors and pushed/pulled them. Your input?
Thanks, Kit

[This message has been edited by Kitskaboodle (edited 03-10-2019).]

There should be a little bit of play in them, otherwise they will be too tight and the bearings will burn up. For what it's worth,I've heard as a general rule of thumb, a little too loose is better than a little too tight.

These are roller bearings rather than ball bearings; Consequently, they can have a bit of play in them....I drove my 85 for at least 10 years and had a bit of play- could at any time wiggle the wheel and get a bit of movement. Just remember- every once in a while you should re-pack those bearings.....I do this maybe every 10 years 40,000 miles.....If you do a bunch of racing and stuff more often would be smart....

The recommended service interval on front wheel bearings is 30,000 miles. They should be totally cleaned, including inside the hub. The reason for this is because you may not know what type grease was previously used and some modern greases aren't compatible. Cleaning them in solvent is discouraged because it can affect the viscosity of the new grease. A microfiber cloth works pretty good. Lint free and dirt free is a must to prevent possible bearing failure.

After cleaning and repacking, install the bearings and while rotating the hub assembly, torque the bearing to 17-25 ft. lbs. Back off on the nut 1/2 turn then retorque the nut to 10-15 in. lbs while spinning the hub. The castle nut probably won't align with the spindle cotter pin hole. I recommend that if you're torqued at the bottom of the range, tighten to align. If you're torqued at the top of the range, loosen to align. Install the cotter pin and bend the ends so that it doesn't scrub inside the cap. I failed to do that on a VW and it wore through and dumped the grease inside the hubcap.

Many thanks for all the replies.
That was a good point that I overlooked. (that the bearings are of a roller design and perhaps this is the reason for the play when you are pushing and pulling longitudally) As for grease, I use Mobil1 synthetic. Been using it for years on all my cars. And, I clean and pack the bearings very thoroughly and very carefully! (by hand) I feel much better now after your confirmation about the play.
Thanks, Kit

Wheel on but lifted so have no load the wheel will have some play because of the bearings.
See my Cave, Front Bearings

But Wheel can see more play when have iffy BJ(s), tie rod end(s), etc.
So you must look at these parts when you or helper moves a wheel.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

Are you sure the play is in the bearing? Look closely to see if the ball joints are loose.