In the process of getting this old '85 ready for my son who is a new driver, I had the front end up and there was some slop in the wheel bearing on the passenger side. I took the outer bearing out to look at it and it was bent!, it has a flat spot, like someone hit it with a hammer while it was sitting vertically.
So, rather than snugging it up, I replaced it. We put in the inner and outer and a new seal. I packed it with the same marine grade grease I use in my boat trailer. (Ive put many a bearing set in that thing, its the same layout as this rx.)

I took a 4 mile test drive and after 2 miles there was a tick tick tick sound from the front. Got home and there was some play in the wheel again. No problem, figured the races may have settled in or something so I snugged it up a bit.

We have driven it several times, maybe a total of 30 miles or so after that with no noise but yesterday my son was out in it by himself for the first time, again only a short trip, and it started with the ticking sound again. Sure enough, more slop in it now.

whats also weird is that the old bearings were NOT making any noise when they were in there and sloppy loose. Just replaced them because the one had that ding on the outer edge.

What gives? I could snug it up again, but at some point its going to destroy itself. Though about pulling the rotor again to inspect the bearings and clean them out and repack them but just not sure. And how can you properly decide how tight to go with them in first place? So that it has no play but spins freely, sure, but then sometimes the damn pin hole does not line up and you have to go tighter or looser....better to err on the tight side or the loose side?

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated!

 

Download the 85 service manual from here: Foxed.ca - Mazda RX-7 Manuals

The "85RX7(9) Front_&_Rear_axles.pdf" file has all the info on how to do the wheel bearings.

 

Thanks. There is a way to do it! lol.
I actually do have a spring scale in my tool box at work. I will inspect the outer bearing and see how it looks. If it looks ok I will try loading the axle nut properly and then go from there. If it winds up chattering again i will just start with a fresh set.

 

I guess its hammered....they looked fine, but even when doing per procedure, they are still rattling. Time for a new set. Live and learn.

 

What bearings did you get? OEM is always the safest bet, and more expensive doesn't always mean better quality from a parts store.