Wheel Bearings?

[Harro]

Hello there,

Been a member for a while but this is my first post.

Got a problem with my S1 Elise, have noticed recently that when driving over bumps or potholes the back of the car feels unsettled and shimmies from side to side, not massively but enough to feel.

Jacked up the car to investigate, holding the wheel at the 3 and 9 o'clock position there is movement, holding it at 12 and 6 there is no movement. Wheel nuts are tight, had all new ball joints and toe links about 4K miles ago and can't see any play in them. It's the same on both rear wheels. I'm guessing wheel bearings, but would like any advise. Also I do most of the servicing myself but don't fancy swapping them. Anyone recommend a garage in North Yorkshire?

Thanks, Guy.

[Bibs]

The wheel bearings are Timkin iirc and are about £30 each. They aren't easy to fit. You need to cool the bearing and heat the hub the tolerance is that tight. You've got JCT600 or Foulds Motors in West Yorkshire?

https://www.thelotusforums.com/reviews/listings/jct-600-brooklands/

https://www.thelotusforums.com/reviews/listings/foulds-motors-independent-lotus-specialist/

[Sparky]

Wheel bearing play should be evident for the full 360 degrees, not just in one plane.  Get someone to apply brakes whilst testing for play.  If the play disappears, then it's likely to be bearing.  Otherwise, I'd be looking at suspension etc.

 

[Harro]

Update on this, car has been off road after summer, got time now to look into the issue.

Had a dial gauge rigged up to see what was moving, then went a bit basic.

Clamped some wood to the upright,, can still feel the same movement when I grab the end of the wood. Looking closely at the outward toe links I can see the slight play. Had dismissed these as the problem as they're only 2 years old. 

Ah well, cheaper fix than bearings. Though the fronts do feel a bit notchy when spinning the wheels, so guess they need doing. 

Edited November 20, 2018 by Harro