joshbot007

So while replaceing my brakes today I came across 2 issues. One being that the shady **** dealer who had the car before me did a ghetto *** job on the rocker repair (I expected/knew that) and the rust is finally starting to show back up. Again it was expected and I knew it was going to happen with only a matter of time from the day I bought the car it just doesn't help when I just spent a bunch of money on turbo and other goodies lol. But the second issue is with my front right wheel bearing. When I removed the rotors I spun them both by had. The left felt smooth but it is not free spinning and requires a little force to move and will not stay spining once I let go but I presume that this is normal for a wheel bearing. The other requires about the same amount of force but it is not smooth in travel. It feels a little notchy when spinning. Not that bad and you would not be able to tell with the wheel on but you can definitely tell when hand spinning the hub. Its not very notchy but there is some consistent roughness there. I am not opposed to replaceing the hubs but I dont want to if I have some good time left on these ones (not broke dont fix it ideal). So Im calling for others who know how these bearing are supposed to feel to give me an idea if its shot or not. Again if the wheel is on you can not feel this and there seems to be no play in bearing when you grab the wheel and twist also not noticeable any way while driving.

curly

iTrader: (25)

Jack the front up, grab the wheel at 9 and 3 and rock it back and forth. Then do the same at 12 and 6. If it has play at both positions, it's most likely a wheel bearing, replace it. If its notchy while turning, repack and/or replace the hub.

Pro tip: if there's only play at 12/6, it's most like a ball joint. 9/3 is probably a tie rod.

joshbot007

There is no play whatsoever in the wheel and all ball joints are new

curly

iTrader: (25)

Nah the ball joint thing was just a tip.

Just replace the hubs.

rleete

iTrader: (21)

Both things you describe are the initial warning signs of a bearing on the way out. The stiffness could possibly be old/dirty grease, but that in itself has probably caused wear. If one side is shot (notchiness), the other is probably not far behind.

Replace them both. Bearing replacement it not difficult. This thread will walk you through it: How to replace your rear wheel bearings without a press - Miata Turbo Forum -Boost cars, acquire cats. Yes, that's the rears, but same thing.

hornetball

iTrader: (4)

If you own a Miata, your front wheel bearings are on their way out. LOL.

Your left sounds normal. Your right should be replaced. Miata fronts are really easy to replace, like 15 minutes once you've got the caliper bracket off. It's just one big nut and a grease cover. If you're just street driving, the cheapo hubs are fine as-is.

joshbot007

Thank you they will be replaced!