Front wheel bearing...one spins like butter...

[george graves]

I had my car up on jack stands tonight - and while I was at it I went around and licked all the tires (oh EDIT - I mean KICKED the tires - silly me)

By spinning them - I couldn't help notice the passenger front wheel had much more friction on it.

Can you tell the condition of your wheel bearings by a test like this or no?

Anyone?

[Madhatter]

no, but

1. Sure you didnt have the stand in the way or anything rubbing on the tyre, ive done that once or twice before i realised.

2. it could indicate brakes dragging and nothing to do with wheel bearings. Its not unusual for there to be a little drag, though too much will cause problems.

3. grab the wheel top and bottom and wiggle it, that will give you an indication of bearing play and any possible wear. Grabbing it on the sides and doing the same will check tierods/rack, etc.

4. they can tend to bind if they arent lubricated, but the bearing tends to feel notchy, rather than just creating more friction, see #2

[VAPORBLADE]

Make sure your brake pads are not dragging. You might have a lazy caliper.

[StereoInstaller1]

Hahaha, George has a lazy clapper!

My right one went out 3 years ago, I replaced it, but was too cheap/lazy/dumb to do both. Now my left one is howling pretty good on right turns, but i just did the "wiggle test" last week and nothing...