Up and down bearing play....normal? Water leaking in

[cwilliams]

I posted another message about how on my first water test for my 04 I had water leaking in. I regreased the bearing and it took grease pretty well but I went back to "sea" and it leaked just as much. I also noticed that it leaks more when its turning. When I got home I notice that the wheel can me lifted a bit up and down. I didnt notice any back and forth play.....But my question is this kind of bearing play normal? I don't think it is but I figured I would akso.

[PlumCrazy]

Some up/down/left/right play is normal/acceptable.
Is it play in the bearing or play in the flange? Assuming everything is tight.

[cwilliams]

Bearings ordered from Richard and I will install them hopefully by Sat for another test run

[msafi65]

Your 04 probably has setscrews retaining the sprockets on the center axles. The setscrews are locktited in and usually require heat to release. I clean the hex pockets very well and fit my Allen bit in to make sure it has a good fit. I've had to heat the hubs next to the setscrews to dull red to get them out. Be carefull not to strip the screws as they don't drill well. I've also been using stripcalk to seal the back of the flanges. Body shop stuff that looks like fat sticky string. A couple years ago I started pulling a string of calk out to about heavy thread size and puting a wrap behind the lock collar before setting it. This seals the space between the axle and bearing. Pulled a bent axle on a machine from 2 years ago and it appeared to have stayed well sealed. Good luck

[cwilliams]

Ughhhh that doesn't sound that good. It's a shame they changed it, seemed like the bolt design was a good one. I look and I definitely have the set screws. I will give it shot once the bearings come in, hopefully it doesnt turn into a nightmare job. I will let you know.

[milkman5687]

Having recently done my '04 max 2 bearings (all 6 axles) I can recommend spraying the cleaned and degreased axles and set screws often for a few days prior to this job. It is quite a pain but well worth when done. I should have around 40 hours on mine since I did it a few months ago, removed the tires yesterday for another greasing and they are still tight with ZERO play-very happy. Take your time and watch the video that Mike did as it is very valuable to keep you moving.

[cwilliams]

I appreciate that, I will give it a try, they look covered with grease so that may have helped me keep them from being corroded. I will clean them out well and try the penetrant also. Thanks!