Hub wobble.

[hfxdesign]

Hey guys, I just got a used steering knuckle w/ hub from a used auto parts spot down here in SC. Both parts are still attached, but the hub has a bit of play in it (I can slide it back and forth a little bit and rock it some)...Is this normal, or should I be worried about a wheel bearing?

[02_Legacy]

If you can rock it then the wheel bearing is most likely bad, as long as you have the knuckle removed you might as well put a new bearing in it anyway. A shop should not charge too much to install the bearing if you bring them the knuckle already removed.

[harrymaneuvers]

^this.

There should be ZERO play between the hub and the knuckle. It should feel very solid with the only movement being rotational.

Call around to a couple different shops. you might even a machine shop or two. If you bring them the knuckle and bearings it probably doesnt cost you more than $50-$75 to have them press the old ones out and the new ones in.

[hfxdesign]

I don't know if I can afford getting a new bearing....It looks like regardless though, even if I wanted to swap hubs, I'd still be needing a press to get the old hub out (or is there another way?). My old knuckle itself is toast (cracks in both sides of the pinch slot, and stripped threads)...but afaik the hub and bearing on it are still good.

[02_Legacy]

You can't reuse a bearing after you press it out, removing it ruins the bearing. And you are correct the only method that I am aware of to remove a bearing is a press.

[hfxdesign]

I'm not talking about removing the bearing, but pressing the hub out of the knuckle and just swapping the entire hub assembly from the broken knuckle to the good one.

[hfxdesign]

Also, is it possible when they removed it from the junkyard they knocked the hub / bearing loose, and that it just needs re-pressed?

[02_Legacy]

I'm not sure that you understand how the bearing hub assembly works, the hub is pressed into the inner race of the bearing, it will not cause any wobble, only a bad bearing (which is what is supporting the hub) will. Also this is not a hub assembly, the hub is just the part that the wheel bolts to and is pressed into the inner race of the bearing. Just swapping the hub will not fix anything. And also it is pressing the hub out of the bearing that ruins the bearing, so no matter how you look at it you will need a new bearing.

Take a quick look at this illustration, it might help you out.
http://opposedforces.com/parts/legacy/us_b12/type_3/suspension_and_axle/front_axle/illustration_1/

[hfxdesign]

Ah, alright. Besides a press are there any other special tools I'll need?