Freeplay at passenger side rear wheel after wheel bearing replacement.

[R.E.wing_fc3s]

Hello. I tried searching this topic beforehand so if its been covered already feel free to send me a link. I am working on a clients 1970 280sl. During the inspection excess free play while rocking the tire from top to bottom was noted at the passenger side rear wheel. Upon disassembly I found the incorrect ball bearing instead of the self centering roller bearing. Installed new correct bearing and seals. Checked the axle tube and shaft bearing mount surface. I realize now i should have checked concentricity and the inner diameter of the axle tube bearing mount surface and compared with specs.  There was some resistance to the bearing being mounted to the shaft, less so into the rear axle tube. Suspecting a loose fit for the bearing at the axle tube I did use loctite bearing retainer. I did not peen the mount surface as i have not had success with peening bearings that experience higher load. 
After all was back together the free play was basically the same.
My question is who has experienced this issue and how did you fix it. New axle tube and shaft? Machine the tube and fit a sleeve?

[Benz Dr.]

It's pretty much normal to have end play on the right rear wheel. The self aligning bearing used in this application will move in and out more than you expect. 

[R.E.wing_fc3s]

OK thanks. The freeplay is noticeable when grabbing the top and bottom of tire and pushing and pulling the top and bottom alternately. Seems like this would allow for some camber change when driving.  It doesnt have in and out play like if you grabbed the tire and try to move it in and out in line with the axle tube.

[Jordan]

OK thanks. The freeplay is noticeable when grabbing the top and bottom of tire and pushing and pulling the top and bottom alternately. Seems like this would allow for some camber change when driving.  It doesnt have in and out play like if you grabbed the tire and try to move it in and out in line with the axle tube.

Maybe you can post a short video so we can see the degree of movement.  Then those more knowledgeable can say yay or nay that is normal.  Curious if it is the same on the drivers side.  If some degree of movement is normal, should it not be the same on both sides?  This is a question for the experts as I would like to know myself.

[R.E.wing_fc3s]

The movement is only on the passenger side. Typically any degreee of movement that would allow camber change is a  nono

[Cees Klumper]

I would also think that we want 0 play in a wheel, as described. Curious about the cause; I am not with my Pagoda (France/California distance) but I replaced my rear bearings years ago and don't recall any play there.
I am even replacing my BMW motorcycle rear bearing as there is about a half millimeter play at the edge of the tire, and I think that's responsible for a small amount of vibration coming from the rear at speeds over 85 MPH.

[qianas]

Since you suspect the fitment may be off, it’s crucial to measure the concentricity and inner diameter of the axle tube bearing mount surface. Compare these measurements with the original specs or tolerances if you have access to them. Look for signs of wear or ovality in the Angular contact ball bearing seat within the axle tube. Any deformation could contribute to the loose fit and resulting play.

[Benz Dr.]

Since you suspect the fitment may be off, it’s crucial to measure the concentricity and inner diameter of the axle tube bearing mount surface. Compare these measurements with the original specs or tolerances if you have access to them. Look for signs of wear or ovality in the bearing seat within the axle tube. Any deformation could contribute to the loose fit and resulting play.

Those are important points but I think you will find that the end play is in the bearing.

[stickandrudderman]

There's been alot of discussion on here about just this issue.
I have experimented with different bearings and different suppliers without a positive outcome.
Some cars just seem to destroy those bearings in very short time and I've no idea why.
Even with new bearings there will still be a little bit of free play and I'd love to be able to eliminate it.

[rwmastel]

... at speeds over 85 MPH.

Slow down, old man!   

[Cees Klumper]

Haha, it's not me so much as I need to keep up with the speed of traffic in the carpool lane, which is the safest lane for motorcycle riders. Cars typically go 85 mph there (20 over the posted speed limit), and sometimes more, so I need to as well. Not a problem for my two BMW motorcycles, except the minor vibration one of them develops from that speed on up. It could also be caused by the rear wheel having taken a major hit when I encountered a pothole some months ago so it may no longer be perfectly straight or round.

Back to Pagodas, I guess so long as play in a rear wheel bearing is not noticeable while driving (at speed), it should be ok?