Wheel movement

1998 BUICK RIVIERA
141,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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INTOSILENCE1
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  • 79 POSTS
When I was tightening the lug nuts, I could make the wheel move quite a bit with the breaker bar. Is this normal, or what could be the cause?
Nov 1, 2020 at 11:09 AM
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KASEKENNY
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Does the vehicle drive okay? If so, I suspect that is the movement from the suspension and steering system.

You could have some slack in the tie rods or even a little in the wheel bearing/hub. No matter what, I would suggest putting the front wheels on jack stands and shacking down the front wheels. You do this by putting your hands on the tire at 3 and 9 o'clock as if it were a clock and push and pull with opposite hands. There should be no loose feeling and this is checking the tie rods. Then do the same at 12 and 6 o'clock to check the upper and lower ball joints.

If these are tight then it is normal. Thanks for getting the video. That really helped.
Nov 1, 2020 at 1:09 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good afternoon

No, that is not normal. You have an issue there.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/popping-noise

You need to check the ball joints as well as the control arms for movement.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-release-a-ball-joint

You need someone to do what you are doing and you go under with a bright flash light and look for the movement.

I attached a blow up of the suspension for you and circled the common areas of wear.

Roy

Nov 1, 2020 at 1:12 PM
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