I have some play in my front passenger wheel. I replaced the hub, and the play is basically the same.

Not sure if related, but there also seems to be some sort of rubbing/grinding sound that I hear when I accelerate hard or power out of corners. I read a few posts that pointed to the front bearing potentially being the cause of that issue, so I figured that plus the play meant it needed to be replaced.

Anyways, what else up there would cause play? I noticed side to side play (hands on 9 and 3) seems worst than up and down (hands on 12 and 6).

Thanks!

 

Inner and outer tie rods
ball joints
Worn rack bushings
A worn rack
Control arm bushings

Basically everything

 

Great haha. Thanks

 

inner or outer tie rods are the most likely culprits. Start by troubleshooting those to identify if they are worn. Order the parts from Ray Crowe.

 

After making this post, I actually noticed that the boot on the outer tie rod is torn and the ball joint looks to be exposed. Regardless if that is the issue, it will likely need placed, but it’s encouraging to hear that it’s a likely culprit

 

Keep in mind that the ball joint is integral to the lower control arm so you will need to do one of two things:
1. Buy a new lower control arm complete with bushings and the ball joint
2. install an aftermarket ball joint - search for that on the forum, there are few threads on the topic: https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...oints-1152243/

 

Noted, thanks. I meant the boot on the ball joint that is part of the tie rod end

 

I replaced the tie rod ends, and I’m still having some side to side play in the front passenger wheel. No 12 and 6 play. As mentioned earlier, this problem is accompanied by a sort of “grinding” or “rubbing” sound only when turning left and the RF wheel is loaded up, so generally corners on throttle or powering out. I also notice a popping sound when pulling into my driveway. My driveway is downhill and has a side angle. When pull in, the wheel is turned to the right, but because of the downhill and angle, the front passenger wheel is heavily loaded. So even if I’m moving slowly, I get this popping sound, which a passenger has told me they can sort of feel in the floor of the car.

Inner tie rod?

 

I don't know if this could cause the slop you're feeling, but I'm guessing from your symptoms that the lower ball joint is dry and worn. Side loads lean heavily on that ball joint, and, if dry, any motion while heavily loaded could cause the popping/creaking sound you hear. I had similar issues in a '99 Passat (both sides) and actually drilled 1/16" holes through the outer metal of the joints and greased them, then sealed the holes with RTV. That solved the creaking problem and it didn't recur while we still owned it.

 

Interesting, I will certainly look into that, thank you

 

Grinding sound while driving with the wheel turned could also be the wheel bearing. Fairly easy to replace the front hub.

Upper and Lower ball joint play would be more observable with the 12pm - 6pm play test but they go dry before they develop play. Clicking while turning the steering wheel is often the audible clue.

These cars are so old now that ball joints and wheel bearings are suspect of having worn out.

 

Thanks for the reply. The front wheel bearings are brand new, that was my first attempt at solving the issue.