I am a mechanic and also own a Vectra......
1 - Front wheel barely spins ( other side spins freely )
It should spin freely like the other side.
2 - side to side movement on wheel (quite a lot of play )
That sounds like a trackrod end worn
3 - Caliper get's hot after a drive ( stays cool on the other side )
Sounds like a sticking caliper or pad in the caliper
4- droning noise
Also could possibly be from the sticking front brake or as you have just changed the wheels cheap tyres with low tread can sounbd like a wheel bearing.
Hi, thanks for you input !
I have updated the thread, here is a recap.
1- issue still remains, one wheel spins freely, the other does not and only moves a few inches each way.
2- the side to side wheel movement still remains, I noticed today when I can twist the track rod end side to side, is tihs normal ? Like I can hold the bar of it and it turns
3 - The caliper didn't get hot today when I checked it after a long drive, also I took out the brake pads and mounted the caliper back on without the brake pads so I could try and spin the wheel and it still would not spin it was just the same without the brake pads fitted.
Also the pads were losses in the caliper not a tight fit , I assume when they are sticking on they are in tight as thoguh jammed like when the apds were sticking on at the rear one time
4- I don't think it is a sticking brake ( as per number 3 above ) as the problem still remained without brake pads fitted.
the droning noise was present before changing the wheels though I don't think it was as loud, could be because I put smaller wheels back on
any further advice from you will be much apprecieted !
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