rear axle bearing curiosity

[mike25]

hi, i'm new to three wheeler world. i was wondering, i have an 86 honda 250r trike and discovered there is a small amount of freeplay in the rear axle bearing assembly. is some amount of play considered normal on these, or does it mean its new bearing and carrier time, i don't hear any noise coming from it, but i just bought it and am going thru every thing before i hit the dunes. i can only feel it when i am standing up on it and rocking from side to side. is there some type of crush sleeve in it, to where you can overtighten the nut on the outside of the rotor and ruin it? i live by the oceano dunes in central cali and am planning on heading out there next weekend and would also like to find some people to ride with

[SWIGIN]

Tear it apart and if the bearings are in the carrier tight, you just need bearings and seals .

If they are loose fitting to the carrier then you need a carrier.

[Brianw]

There shouldnt be any free play, take it apart and investigate.

[Dirtcrasher]

^ X2

Waiting for them to fail usually destroys the carrier..........

[mike25]

right on thanks

[scottp597]

Snap ring can be a pain without the right tools - fyi

[Dirtcrasher]

I didn't own snap ring pliers until my truck needed one, and it was burried!

Many times I've used a pointed pick and a teenie tny screwdriver (or 2) to get the snap ring off. You just can't really "force" it out, take your time...............