Brake rotor issue/suspension issue?

[al0389]

1986 FC GXL

I'm wondering if something is off/bent on the car. Last time I changed the brakes on my FC, the front driver side rotor was rubbing on the caliper. I bought a second rotor and swapped it, but I had the same issue. It didn't really rub in a straight one, but rubbed while turning. I managed to stop the rubbing by taking the new rotor to get machined down, slightly. The suspension looks straight, I replaced all the bushings some time after the brakes were done. I never had any brake issues, other than the rubbing, until I had the rotor machined down.

Another thing to note is that I have a set of rims on the car. Stock Mustang GT rims. Same size x4. The front passenger wheel clears. The front driver wheel rubs on the suspension. I don't have an issue running spacers, but shouldn't they be the same on both sides?

The car drives straight, doesn't pull while driving/braking. Suspension doesn't seem bent. I'm wondering if it's possible to have a bent spindle??  Never had an issue with bearings wearing out prematurely.

Suggestions?

I'm going to have a chance to work on the car soon, so I can probably look at whatever anyone suggests.

[largeorangefont]

Your wheel bearings are bad and/or the spindle nut needs tightening.

[Supe]

Yup.  It wouldn't surprise me if you can grab the top of the wheel/tire and pull and hear/feel the play in it. 

[al0389]

Noted. I'll take a look at the bearings/end play. I know they aren't very old. I had changed them a couple years ago, but probably haven't had 10k miles driven on them. Maybe I can get away with tightening them down. I bought an extra set of hubs to change the bearings when I did them the first time. Scored them at the junkyard for $15 each. If anything, I'll change the bearings, and punch out the races, swap hubs and try again.

I probably won't be able to update until next year on the car. So, we will see what goes on..

Thanks.