I have had a clunky noise up front lately. Today I was rotating my tires and noticed that there is a fair amount of play in the front wheels. Specifically, with the tires off, i can move the wheel studs back and forth until they hit the rotor.






In the pictures you can see the wheel stud at the top is all the way to the right and then all the way to the left. I think this is what is causing my noise. I don't think this is normal...is it? Shouldn't there be something that keeps the wheel stud centered in the hole in the rotor? Rear wheels do not have this issue. Any help would be appreciated.

Jim

 

When the stock wheels and lug nuts are installed and torqued, the rotor is clamped against the hub with enough force to prevent that. There is no evidence of movement on mine.

If you have after market wheels, the lug nuts may not be a good match for the wheels.
That, and inadequate torque are the two things that come to mind first.

Also, the thin retainer nut on the one stud may be preventing an after market wheel from seating properly.
Remove it, and replace the rotor. Don't use the thin retainers.

edit to add:

Looking at the contact pattern on the wheel/rotor mating surface, it seems the thin retainer nut may be the issue.

 

Thanks ronjenx. It is very clear in your picture. I am running 15 x 8 Black Rock 909D rims and I torque them to 95 ft-lbs. I will pull that clip off and see if it makes a difference.

Jim

 

Hey Jim, glad that you got that figured out. I saw your post on the club forum too. Hope to see you on Saturday at the breakfast run.

- Dave

 

I'll see you Saturday Dave. Looking forward to it.

Jim