Correct wheel bearing adjustment impede wheel rotation?

[GregKnod]

If my front wheel bearings are adjusted properly, should the wheels rotate as freely as if the bearing are adjusted just slightly looser? Let's assume the brake shoes are backed off enough so there is no contact with the drums.
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'73 Westy Weekender sharing the garage with a '66 Ocean Blue Beetle (daily drivers are out in the weather)

[galax-z]

do you have ball or roller brngs

[66 Bugman]

This is kind of hard to understand what you mean...

"As if the bearing are adjusted just slightly looser?" If they are adjusted properly, they should be left when they are correct. But, I think yes, they should be just as free, otherwise. The proper adjustment shouldn't hinder movement of the wheel.
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"All around you people will be tiptoeing through life, just to arrive at death safely. But dear children, do not tiptoe. Run, hop, skip or dance, just don't tiptoe."

[KTPhil]

There should be no binding when adjusted properly. You may have worn bearings or races.

How are you adjusting them? Dial gauge? Muir screwdriver method? Incorrect "overtorque then back off" method?

[GregKnod]

I have roller bearings - my procedure is to a) tighten the clamping nut b) spin the whell a bit c)check for free play (by feel and sound) repeat a, b and c utill there's just a liitle bit of play.
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'73 Westy Weekender sharing the garage with a '66 Ocean Blue Beetle (daily drivers are out in the weather)

[KTPhil]

If you use this method (leaving a little play) and you still have drag, then I'd pull the drum, check for brake shoe alignment, repack and inspect the bearings and races.

[66 Bugman]

[KTPhil]

As long as you have a good feel for the play, the Muir screwdriver method works. However, many bearings have been destroyed when people pry on the bearing cage or other parts, and do not just twist it to push on the thick washer. But if you have that good a feel, then you probably don't need the screwdriver method and can fee it directly as you try to wobble the wheel.

Another suggestion that makes adjustment SO much better: Remove that washer, and sand it smooth on emery cloth taped to a sheet of glass. Make it perfectly smooth with no dings or burrs. This makes that critical play pint much easier to feel.