Wheel bearing Loose

[haynes]

My front nearside drive shaft nut is loose (disc brakes). I also think ive had this before, probably picked up around last years mot. Is this a definite indication that the wheel bearing is shot or can i just tighten the nut up?

How do you get the nut really tight? I usually fit and stand the car on an old wheel with no centre cap so no problems keeping the drive shaft from turning but i just cant move the nut on to the next hole for the split pin.

[guru_1071]

it may not be the bearing, you should check the hub for ovality where the bearings fit, the back of the flange for scuffing, the conical washer for wear etc.

you cannot keep tightening the nut up - all you will do is crush the bearing or start to streach the threads on the c.v.

if the hole for the split pin wont line up you need to experiment with different nuts & conicals

[haynes]

Doh! Spent last night replacing an inner cv boot, sorting the swivels and moving on to the drive shaft. When it came to tightening up the drive shaft nut, the disc wasnt running true and rubbing against the inner pad every rotation. I'm sure this was ok before so i'm guessing ive not put it together quite right or clean enough, then it was getting too dark to see whats was what.

Any reasons why the disc and drive shaft wouldnt line up square, throwing the disc out?

[rufusruffcutt]

Check the drive flange. The part of the flange that contacts the bearing may be worn or the internal splines.

[haynes]

Looking at it again in the day light, i just hadnt tightned the drive shaft nut up enough.