Wheel movement

Tiny
INTOSILENCE1
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 BUICK RIVIERA
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 141,000 MILES
When I was tightening the lug nuts, I could make the wheel move quite a bit with the breaker bar. Is this normal, or what could be the cause?
Sunday, November 1st, 2020 AT 11:09 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Does the vehicle drive okay? If so, I suspect that is the movement from the suspension and steering system.

You could have some slack in the tie rods or even a little in the wheel bearing/hub. No matter what, I would suggest putting the front wheels on jack stands and shacking down the front wheels. You do this by putting your hands on the tire at 3 and 9 o'clock as if it were a clock and push and pull with opposite hands. There should be no loose feeling and this is checking the tie rods. Then do the same at 12 and 6 o'clock to check the upper and lower ball joints.

If these are tight then it is normal. Thanks for getting the video. That really helped.
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Sunday, November 1st, 2020 AT 1:09 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon

No, that is not normal. You have an issue there.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/popping-noise

You need to check the ball joints as well as the control arms for movement.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-release-a-ball-joint

You need someone to do what you are doing and you go under with a bright flash light and look for the movement.

I attached a blow up of the suspension for you and circled the common areas of wear.

Roy

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Sunday, November 1st, 2020 AT 1:12 PM

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