2wd ranger, left front making a knock knock knock sound when i push on the bumper. so i jack up under the lower suspension arm and can notice play between the brake rotor and steering knuckle. can i remove the play by tightening the nut on the axle?

 

you need to replace the wheel bearings. if you dont know how to repack bearings make sure you watch a how to and do it properly. If you dont feel confident its ok to take to a shop or have a friend help.

be sure to torque the nut to the proper spec. overtight will cause failure and you'll have to do it again.

 

thanks xlt, the castle nut or axle nut was a tad loose so i tightened it up just till the play was gone and no more knocking sound. so im calling it good. that locking nut cover isnt all that precise and i think it allowed the nut to loosen just a hair

 

if theres knocking, it needs replacing. minimal play is acceptable, but that nut should not be much more then hand tight. they are tapered bearings that use the weight of the truck to set the load.