newbie...noise and wobble question

[abacus6]

Howdy! Bought a 2000 sport 4wd this summer, about 62k but i good shape ( cosmetics and engine). One issue i've come upon. I feel some sort of rubbing/grinding from the front passenger side while driving...quite pronounced while braking. Recently noticed a wobble in low speed (10-20 mph). Obviously an alignment check is needed, but I feel it's just a symptom or result of a bigger issue. Took it in for brakes to be checked and the brake dude ( who by the way, sed brakes were at 70% whatever that means...didn't replace anything) spazzed on me, going on about the front passenger wheel bearing being out and proceeded to demonstrate that neither wheels should pass inspection by lifting each wheel vertically with a pry bar about 1/2 an inch. I thanked him and left him to his mutterings...

i did a search here on the wheel bearing issue and found a few threads ( one seemed to match my noise complaint exactly ) but there is NO way i can re-pack, or whatever, anything on my own.

the crux : does this sound like a wheel bearing issue? what on earth does that mean? i thought a bearing was a small metallic ball......if so, steps to remedy? and, IS it weird that both front wheels ( with the explorer raised ) can move vertically like that...independent of the suspension, obviously...just the wheel moving not the suspension travelling...if so , remedy?

sorry so long...thanks in advance!

edit: btw, i purchased a warranty for it when i got the explorer, just wanted to get some wisdom prior to going through them...gotta use their recommended shop and such, don't wanna get screwed b/c they don't want to do any work...

 

[abacus6]

bump........................................

 

[exploded99]

The vertical thing with the prybar is usually done to show you that ball joints need to be replaced - which very well may be the cause of your issue. Usually considered a normal wear and tear issue under warranty contracts, not covered.

Brakes at 70% means you have 70% of the original pad thickness remaining.

Wheel bearings usually rumble constantly if the bearing is actually failing, because they are always supporting the weight of the truck, and are always turning. Loose front wheel bearings may cause a vibration, but that is uncommon.

Go to a shop that does alignments. Ask them to check the alignment, and tell you what work your front end needs. Then see if that work is covered under warranty since not all work will be. Then you can decide on who should do the work for you.

 

[abacus6]

excellent, thanks for the quick response! I made an appt. for tomorrow am. we shall see....

thnx again!