What is the meaning of free play?

Question

i went to mechanic today, and he told me that rear shock absorbers mounts freeplay, compression bushes freeplay and front control arm ball joints freeplay. What is a specific meaning of free play in mechanics? help would be appreciated.

no stupid answer please...

Answer 1

freeplay is a requirement in auto parts ie thrust bearings it is the gap beteen the clutch fingers and the thrust bearing it allows the bearing to unload and stop spinning it allso allows full spring pessure thru pressure plate clutch and flywheel can be 1/16 1/8 1/4 inch up to1/2 with prime movers. free play at the brake pedal is to allow for master cyl to fully return and not be held in if it was it would make the brakes drag over heat mabe catch fire.all things in all vehicles that move are made of metal require a clerance to expand & cotract even a bridge has expansion & contraction joints across them freeplay. a 1"square pipe try to put a 1" square solid bar inside wont fit heat up square pipe just a bit it will then fit remove say 6thousand of a inch will alwas fit hot or cold hope this clears up freeplay. whot your mecanic was atemting to say is not correct hopeing he ment to say was eccesive freeplay in oter words worn out kaput. hope this all gells in your mind if you dont understand your mechanics terms ask him to explain if he wont drop him he is a fool. in 30 years i had no problems explaining      good luck

Answer 2

It meand the rubber is hard at one or more ends of that there is too much looseness in the action of the parts. you cannot properly alaign a front end with too much free play. Especially in the Idler arm and at the tie rod ends. The parts are worn beyond tolerance and must be replaced.

Answer 3

Actually, free play means that the detail has to be replaced with a new one, because of the extra wear off.

Answer 4

freeplay simply means that something can wobble/move around. Some parts of your car need a bit of movement, some need to be held rigid. What your mechanic is saying is that some bits of the cars suspension are a bit wobbly which is going to effect ride and handling.