Bad Front Wheel Bearing?

[lundgren]

I think my drivers side front wheel bearing might be failing.

I have an 02 Z06 with about 20,000 miles. I have participated in MANY autocross events with hoosiers. I think this might be a contributing factor, though I'm not sure.

I get a bit of 'rattle' over some bumps. The wheel does flex a small bit up and down (not side to side).

Is this a Z06 issue? Feedback?

[DJWorm]

The stock A Arm bushings have been known to fail prematurely....especially on AutoX'd cars. If your in SCCA SS then you will have to replace with stock bushings, if you have moved up ASP or SM2 then VB&P's poly graphite bushings are the way to go. I think Strelnicks replaced his 3 times in the first 10,000 miles.

Also if you are lowered and have a lot of negative Camber dialed in you will experience some "Bump Steer"

I think Extreme and LG Motorsports and possibly Hardbar may have a "Bump Steer" kit which eleminates this....basically spherical rod ends for the tie rods. Again if you have moved up in class then you can use them.

I would change to new or better bushings first, then eliminate the bump steer with the kit......then look at the wheel bearings. On a normally used car 20,000 miles would be a bit early for a wheel bearing(s) but if AutoX'd its in the realm of possibilities. Still I would try the cheaper fixes first.

[lundgren]

I've not check those bushings, I'll look at that.

Yeah I'm an SCCA SS driver.. know all about that.

[alextz]

cant use the bump steer tie rods in ASP
but they are legal for SM2

Alex