Hi, got a new set of tires, and the tire dealer said my wheel bearings were going, went to replace them, and when put the car up, there was hardly any play in the wheels at all, is there another way to determine if the wheel hub assy are bad?

There is less than .20" of axial play in the worse of the two wheels. The other has closer to .05"

When should they be replaced? the wheels are firm and driving is very responsive.

Thank you!

 

Its really one of those things you can tell after feeling dozens of good and bad hubs. No real spec as far i know. But i can tell you that .20 is way to much. If it is a reputable shop i would be inclined to believe them and just replace them.

 

Too my knowledge, any amount of play indicates a bearing hub going bad.

I recommend Timken hub assemblies (made in the U.S.A. and probably the LAST hub you will ever put on).

Also, I would recommend you have an air hammer OR the puller GM recommends. I do NOT recommend trying to brute force that thing out of the knuckle. With an air hammer, takes me about an hour flat to change a W-body front hub.