n4ji

iTrader: (1)

So the last time I auto-crossed the tech guy noticed that there was some play in my front driver side tire when he pushed on it. I noticed it too and there's also a little 'click' sound when you push and notice the play. Bad wheel bearing? Car is an AE with 39k miles. Thanks.

classicauto

iTrader: (3)

Depends on which way your pressing.

If your top to bottom, its a bearing.

Side to side is a tie rod.

n4ji

iTrader: (1)

Top to bottom.

SpeedOfLife

iTrader: (16)

Wow.

classicauto

iTrader: (3)

Yessir, a bearing in deed.

May as well do both fronts, since they're cake to change and easy on the wallet

n4ji

iTrader: (1)

Thanks, when I look on the mazdatrix website I notice that there are inner and outer bearings. Which one should I change and should I also change the seal?

39k miles.... I bought the damn thing with 12k... I need to quit driving it so much.

classicauto

iTrader: (3)

yes you'll need an oil seal also, but best to get both inner and outer bearings since they typcially wear together.

But just an FYI, the hardest thing on a wheel bearing is sitting for extended periods of time

Ice_Wolf

Yea, if you're pushing left and right and it has play, it'll be a outer or inner tie rod end. Up and down will be wheel bearings. You'll want to replace the inner and outer bearings along with the seal. Make sure you pre-load them correctly and install the smart nut and cotter key. Also, make sure the pack the bearings correctly and grease the splines on the shafts. Also, when I did it, I packed some extra grease into the cap just for good measure. Also, a good way to tell if your wheel bearing is bad is to listen for a growl at lower speeds and a howl at higher speeds. The sound will get louder the faster you go too.