rear wheel beaings - how much play

[specialshoe]

Hi

MOT is due - and the rear wheel bearings have a bit of play - the question is how much is acceptable for MOT and safety.

They do not grumble, whine or roar.

About 3 mm rock at the tyre tread.

I have searched the Wiki etc but found no answer there.

Parts are about £60 for bearings - but can you still buy carriers as my research suggests these go oval. Any ideas how long it should take a garage to do this - i.e. what the likely cost is?

Any help or suggestions apprecaited

Thanks

Peter

[Aidan]

some play at the 12 and 6 position, barely any felt in the 3 and 9 position
make sure the van has a good run on the way to the mot to warm the bearings, the inner one that has the play is a C3 grind designed to have some play when cold to allow for the expansion of materials when hot, a fivers worth of fuel and time well worth it compared to replacing bearings that are ok really

[toomanytoys]

3mm sounds "normal" to be fair.. just done a rear bearing on my syncro.. within 20 miles it will have bedded in and have play in the 12 o clock - 6 o clock positions... should be no/minimal play at 9 - 3...

Should only be an advisory too.. specially if smooth and quiet.. if they mention it, say "ah yes.. its the design, they are not taper bearings and apparently even a new set will have some play after fitting.. "

Like Aidan says.. take it for a 20 min drive imidiatly before taking it in for test.. not just round town either up a main road with a bit of speed on.. warm them up nicely...

[specialshoe]

Spot on chaps - movement at 6 and 12 but none at 9 and 3.

I will take this info with me should the tester raise an eyebrow - Its a Kwik Fit MOT as they are only changing £25 - but the price of this may be a tester without much 'knowledge' - but their tyres are a super bargain at the moment as well - Firestones at £49 and I need one.

So its a 6 mile journey - and longer the long way round to get some heat into the bearings

Thanks for your info.

[billy739]

if it fails get them to show you the fail criteria in the book

rear bearings are allowed - no play , slight play , play , lots of play and can only fail with excessive play!

they can only be failed on this criteria:-

1. Excessive roughness in a rear wheel bearing.

2. Excessive play in a rear wheel bearing, indicating severe maladjustment or wear.

take note of the word SEVERE!