Wheel bearing and free play

In general, if it's an adjustable bearing it should have some play. Non adjustable ones, non.

Thanks for that, I wasn't aware there were such things as adjustable bearings. It turns out that these are, and the procedure is in the Haynes, so I'll try tightening the offending one at the weekend (it only makes a noise on some left hand bends, not all, so I guess it's worth trying the adjustment before going for replacement). Thanks again.

...Nick.

If it's noisy it's probably knackered. Luckily adjustable types are usually much easier to change than non adjustable ones.

Nick Challoner pretended :

It should have the very tiniest amount of free play, the absolute minimum. I tighten them up spinning the wheel all the time - until I can just feel them bind, then just back it off until I feel the very slightest amount of movement.

If a bearing is noisy, replace it - it is unlikely to improve with adjustment. If one side is gone, do both sides.

Definitely has more than that on the noisy side.

Thanks for that.

Thanks for the advice (and similar from Dave). I think i'll try the adjustment first, just to get a feel for how that's done. I've already ordered two hub nut split pins from the dealer - one for the adjustment, and one for the replacement that will almost certainly have to follow! The Haynes said they should be replaced each time they're removed, although I guess a lot of people just re-use them?

...Nick.

Nick Challoner presented the following explanation :

I re-use them for the none critical applications only. If these fail and fall out, you loose the entire wheel. No need to pay the dealer prices, just buy from any local car parts shop or buy a mixed bag for just a pound or two.

Providing the diameter is correct, the length is not too critical so long as they are long enough. If they are too long you can simply trim them down with a junior hacksaw.

They're soft enough steel to snip with side cutters or pliers.