Nee help wiith my first repair

[themightyfestiva]

I guys recently got my 90 festiva and am now having to do some repairs, any advise is welcome i recently started hearing a low pitch Narl when in excess of 20mph and would increase in db's with vehicle speed and not rpm's and found it to be coming from the left rear wheel I think does that sound like a faulty wheel bearing, I saw the post on how to replace them with hand tools very cool. Again any help is appreciated

[bravekozak]

That is a loaded question, without an inspection. mighty, please add your location to your profile. There may just be another member close to you who could help. Get the front wheels off the ground. Check for torn axle boots, shaft play, turn each axle slowly to see if you can feel any grinding or uneven resistance. Report back please.

[Safety Guy]

Also check the rear wheels off the ground.

Turn them and listen. Shake them side to side to check for excessive play. Also, I think it's the left rear that has a reverse threaded spindle nut to watch out for. Some people destroy these trying to take them off the wrong way, or replace them the wrong way.

Also drive and listen for changes when turning. That's usually how I have figured out a rear wheel bearing. They begin groaning on turns first. Especially on faster, sweeping turns.

If you don't have one, get either a Haynes manual for Festiva/Aspire or a Ford shop manual. Preferably both.

Good luck!

Karl

[Team Lightning]

It's the RIGHT rear ( Passenger) side that has the Reverse threads. Ask me how I know!

[Safety Guy]

Jerry said: "It's the RIGHT rear ( Passenger) side that has the Reverse threads. Ask me how I know!"

Okay, I was thinking of the wheel rotation, but the bearing race goes the opposite direction, which would turn a regular nut loose. The reverse thread won't do that.

Thanks!!

Karl

[themightyfestiva]

ok thanks guys Im going to check right now

[WmWatt]

Grab the top of the wheel and push and pull feeling for any play. But first release hand brake because it will make noises which confuse the issue. It could also be a loose axle nut. Mine are staked, not cottered, and one has come loose. I had to retighten and restake. (Staked means the nut is pushed into a groove in the axle so it won't turn. (The axle is pushed into the groove with a hammer and punch, like driving a stake, I guess.)

[themightyfestiva]

oh you want Play i can move the tire sideways maybe 1/4- 1/2in and the wheel is still fastened tighter than any hand cranking will release lol

[william]

Hope your spindle isn't ate up.
Remember passenger side threads are reverse.

[themightyfestiva]

the bolts are frozen and my air tools wont knock them loose :-(

[Pu241]

Hit them with BP blaster and let them sit over night.
Repeat PB Blaster application every few hours, if possible.
Then next day try air tools.