Spindle bearing question

[Al Lindner]

I just replaced the wheel bearings on the right side of my 1980 CJ7 . I checked the spindle bearing and repacked it. When I put the snap ring back on I had to pry the axle out in order to get to the groove. I understand this is normal. After it was installed I installed the locking hub and locked it when I turned the wheel by hand it felt like it was binding at points.
The stub axle has some play in it( SIDE TO SIDE). Is this normal ?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Did you ck the axle U-joint for binding?
Side to side play is normal.
LG

 

[Al Lindner]

Ujoint isn't binding Thinking about it might be that little dust shield It got a little bent up when I was prying

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Is the spindle inline with the axle or turned slightly?
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

For piece of mind. Especially since you've done it recently. It would be easy enough to pull it back apart and check. It would be easy to over tighten the bearings, forget to bend the tab, put the indexing tab in wrong ..... BTW you did check the inner axle shaft bearing. You haven't done a front end bearing service without doing the axle shaft bearing. I have seen warn snap rings come off, that would be the first thing you'd see. Also don't OVER pack the hub, generally you don't need much grease there. Remember the hub really doesn't move much or very often.

 

[jpeck71]

Ujoint isn't binding Thinking about it might be that little dust shield It got a little bent up when I was prying

When I went through and replaced my bearings and brakes I had issues with that dust shield. Mine was all rusted and bent up and was rubbing after putting it together. Ended up cutting pieces of it off where it was bent up. Wheels turned much better after that.

 

[Old Dog]

You can buy new dust shield's if that's your problem.
There is also a washer/spacer that goes by the rubber seal that has a tapper on one side, if this is in backward things will not go back together right.