If I jack up the rear end, with the handbrake off, and try to wobble the rear wheel (by grabing the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock) there is some play in it. Approx 5mm at the wheel rim. I removed the wheel and drum, the play is also present in the drive flange, approx 1-2mm. The bolts holding the driveshaft bearing hub thingy to the rear upright are tight.

Does this mean the rear wheel bearing is knackered and needs replacing?

Or could it be a joint in the drive shaft?

I have a sierra diff with push in shafts, drum brakes and independant suspension.

probs the bearing. Mine had a little play at first MOt and needed nipping up.

You have U2U.

Is the big nut on the end of the CV done up to the correct (usually very high) torque?

yes the big nut is done up very tight

Hi

Is the play at the outer end. Or is there movement in the bushes on the top wishbone at the chassis end.
Quite regular for bushes to need replacing on the Mac#1's.

Cheers Matt

Matt
I'll have a good check on the bushes and wishbones tonight. Thanks

Sounds to me like a wheel bearing. If you replace this one, do the other side too. Might as well for the cost, and then you know theyre both good. Its also an opportunity to do brakes, paint calipers, clean caliper pistons etc etc.

Was told this once by a mecanic friend:-

rock at
12 &6 king pin and suspention
9 & 3 track rod and steering
1.30 & 7.30 wheel bearing

I know thats for the front of a car but should work for the rear end of a wish bone set up

hope this helps

further reading , its sounds like a wheel bearing problem

Richard

Checked and it's definatly the wheel bearing, see my other post on the bearing kit that might be missing some parts????