how far can you travel on a front wheel drive hub that seems to have a half inch of wiggle with wheel off?

Question

My car is front wheel drive and I thought it was a brake issue but when I took the wheel off, the hub seemed to have more wiggle than I thought it should have(I think it should have none). Had I realized this before going home I would have taken it somewhere to fix it. unfortunately I drove home (miles from NOWHERE). I am too far from anyone to have it towed. I have heard the wheel can seperate from the car in rare instances. Is this common for front wheel drive fords? Can I limp it the 70 miles to get a part and then the 85 miles to a shop to have it replaced? I am in a no option position I only have the one car and recently moved to the area so I know no one to drive me to pick up the part. what can I do to get this part fixed? Is it possible to remove the steering knuckle and hub assembly off the strut with something other than a brass, lead or shot filled hammer??

Answer 1

Generally the brake disc and hub are seperate components on a front wheel drive vehicle and the disc can have movement on the hub as they are replaced seperately. Is there excessive freeplay at the wheel when it is fitted back onto the vehicle properly, if so then a failed wheel bearing is most likely, if not then there is no fault with the wheel bearing.

If fault exists;
The friction and heat due to high speeds will make complete failure occur sooner rather than later, so obviously a low vehicle speed is recommended for a limp to a repair shop, better to get there slowly than not at all. Have the parts sent direct to the repairer if possible or have the repairer source the parts once they diagnose it properly.
Do not attemp the repair yourself if you are unsure of how to go about it.
Why did you remove the wheel?

Answer 2

First: 3 deep breaths.

Second: have your vehicle inspected by a qualified professional

Third: 3 deep breaths

The "Hub" is merely a focal point for the revolving of the wheel. "Bearings" are what take the pressure of the revolutions of the wheels..
If your unspecified vehicle has a "wiggle" when driving at high speed, discontinue driving.

WARNING: Your unspecified vehicle can kill you, with this problem. DO NOT! DRIVE IT.

Consult a qualified professional

As to your secondary q: The reason a brass hammer is used, is, no sparks.
The reason a shot-filled (btw:not recommended in this case) hammer is used is that it is a "dead-blow" hammer, meaning the shock of the blow is not felt by the hand, but by the shot in the hammer head.

Answer 3

4 wheelchronic is the superb... inspite of the actuality that All Wheelchronic is largely an similar project. both of those beats the front or rear wheelchronic. those people up good don't recognize what they're talking about. once you've 4 wheels providing the flexibility then you definitely have more suitable useful ability to stay on the line. I stay in Colorado and it really is amazingly, very icy right here. My motor vehicle is four wheel drive, my chum has the front wheelchronic... he can bypass 1/2 as quick as me and nevertheless be sliding out everywhere even as i go two times as quick with out complications in any respect.