I'm no mechanic, but typically, a lot of lateral play on a properly mounted wheel is an indication of worn out wheel bearings. Combined with noise when rotated by hand, it's the way to determine whether wheel hubs that contain the bearings need to be replaced.
However, I think the video is demonstrating the lack of care someone took in servicing the car. I think it's why they not only checked the wheels but other bolts on the car's underside.
The video reminds me of a time when a coworker asked me to check out her car because it was making a strange noise after she got it serviced at a dealership. There was a loose front wheel because the mechanic had forgotten to tighten the wheel lug nuts back on. They were simply put on loosely by hand and left that way. Hence, the wheel was literally shaking itself loose as she drove, causing the noise and vibration.
Re: Why so much play in wheels on this Kizashi?
Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2016 4:59 pm
by KansasKid
I'm also no mechanic, but I've been told that loose wheels could also be an indicator that that the tie rods need to be replaced. Supposedly it depends on which way the wheel jiggles.
Re: Why so much play in wheels on this Kizashi?
Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2016 6:33 pm
by KuroNekko
KansasKid wrote:I'm also no mechanic, but I've been told that loose wheels could also be an indicator that that the tie rods need to be replaced. Supposedly it depends on which way the wheel jiggles.
You're right but it would only apply to the front wheels. The wheels shaking in the video are the fronts so it could be a tie rod issue. If the rear wheels shake, it's likely the wheel bearings, I think.
Re: Why so much play in wheels on this Kizashi?
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 12:34 pm
by Ronzuki
When checking wheel bearings, grasp the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock for the 'wiggle test'. Tie-rod end induced wiggle, as well as many other steering issues, shows up when grasping wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock which is what the guy in the video did. If it wiggles at 12 and 6, it's usually bearing (depending on drivetrain and suspension design of course).
Re: Why so much play in wheels on this Kizashi?
Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2016 1:08 am
by chazyouwin
Just got the "axles" replaced (left and rear) in our 2002 XL-7. A world of difference as they both had broken. The only noticeable symptom was just a bit of extra play in the steering. The tie rack was fine. Maybe that's an issue?
Re: Why so much play in wheels on this Kizashi?
Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2021 7:28 am
by melina675
mostly rear-wheel jiggle because of bearing issue, but I'm not sure about that maybe I'm wrong.