Classic/Antique Car Repair: wheel drag, wheel bearings, front wheel drive

Question
I have an 86dodge van the passenger front wheel drags intermittently I have replaced the caliper and pads it does not drag at all for a few miles then will drag for apx one tenth of a mile frees up and is fine for miles then starts to drag and free its self what could be causing this my only guess is the wheel bearings but am confused as to why they just don't seize up all together

Answer
I would only be guessing at the cause, but I certainly would not drive the car until you pull that front wheel and rotor off to inspect the bearings!  You don't say which van it is, but if it is a front wheel drive van, it could be something in the transmission or differential also.

Losing a front wheel bearing on the road can lead to a very nasty accident, or at least leave you stranded in the middle of the road!  If  you have to take it to a shop, have it flatbedded or else if you have to, drive slowly, at the side of the road, and don't go over about 20 MPH - and have someone follow you with their flashers going.


Dick