I got a 82 280ZX. I was checking out the brakes and I noticed that I can move the wheel in and out a little (which from past experience on other cars is usually the wheel bearing). I was wondering how I would know if it's the inner or outer bearing? Is there some way to try to adjust them or are they just bad? It drives nice, but never drove a perfect 280ZX.

 

Front or rear wheel?

 

Front, mostly on the passenger side, probably 1/4" in and out and about 1/8" on the driver's side.

 

look in the fsm it tells you how to tighten the bearing. download for free from xenon. but if they are that loose you might want to look at them for mechancical damage.

 

Yeah, I saw the FSM. When I look at them, would there be a discolored spot or warped looking? If I do replace them, do I need to replace the races, and both inner and outer bearings? Thanks.

 

Maybe also, you could have a bad ball joint. That is what happened with my '82 slicktop. Somebody must have hit something real hard on that one side. (Which is the driver's side) And destroyed the ball joint. I did end up replacing both new. Anyway, good luck man.

 

Tie rods/ball joints are a common wear item.

How hard are the bearing to do - I've got to replace my rears on the turbo.....

 

Their not to bad. I did all of mine just for peace of mind. The rears are a little harder but if you can rent/buy a gear puller it becomes much easier

 

I tried moving the wheel in and out and watching the ball joints and they don't move at all. I'm pretty certain it's the bearings. What is a sign of bad bearings by looking at them?