Strange front susp. loose, not wheel bearings, what does it mean? Options

[mskala]

Lately I noticed I could feel play in the fronts when the car is
on the ground and pull/push on the top of the tire. However,
doublechecking the wheelbearings shows they are tight (i.e.
washer is just moveable). Also I had put in new ball joints
only a year ago.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)
What could make that happen? This is on the -6, so I even
checked that the hub-to-brake-disc bolts are tight. The
play is not a huge amount but I want to get rid of it if it's
not right, and don't want anything to get worse.

Thanks,

[KenH]

Jack the car up and try and move the strut back and forth. I have seen the bottom of the strut get loose where the ball joint fit in the bottom. Also if the wrong year joints where used they will work loose over time. Early held by the bolt - late held by a tappered pin/bolt.

Ken

[Brad Roberts]

Yep. What Ken said. If the shocks where installed and the nut not properly torqued that holds them into place... the strut will move. I dont mean the top one. I mean the one that holds the shock into the strut tube.


B

[mskala]

I know I have the correct ball joints. I also sprung for
new 12.9 hard bolts for them.

I'm almost positive that these are the original front
shocks in the car, there are major records that go
back to 1974. I have never touched the shock nut,
but will check if they are tight.

I won't get under the car for a few days, though,
beat up an ankle pretty good yesterday.

Thanks a lot

[mskala]

Well, checked that the shock nut was tight (good to have a
bunch of old tools for grinding into new tools).

I guess that means there is some play in the shocks after
so many years?