How easily should rear axels spin??

"gary" wrote: "2000 grand caravan drum brakes rear. I pulled off the wheels and drums to have look at the brakes and gave the hubs a spin. On both sides there is friction, i.e. they do not spin unhindered. They will not continue spinning if you give them a spin they stop immediately. Is this normal or should I replace the wheel bearings. 125,000KM on the vehicle."

Won't hurt.

Sarge

It is normal. As long as there is no play and the bearings aren't noisy, you are fine.

Matt

It'll hurt your wallet replacing things that don't need to be replaced.

Matt

Probably wouldn't hurt to re*pack* the bearings but unless they look bad no need to replace them. The friction is probably from the brakes dragging anyway which is normal.

nate

The bearings are packed with grease. The hubs by themselves won't spin because of the grease. Not enough mass.

How would the brakes affect them if the drums are off?

No play there, no noise, thanks for the info.

Gary

That is what it feels like. They spin easier with the tires on. Thx

Gary