bus rear bearings??

[nodtobob]

I went out to adjust my brakes today and went to grab my rear tire to check for any shimmies or wobbles and I have some freeplay in it. I peeked around the backside and shook it some more and where the axle stub goes behind the backing plate, I could see it move there, so I knew the lugnuts weren't loose. I took off the drum and checked to see if maybe the drum had mushroomed out and caused the "slight" wobble, it wasn't beat up or anything so could it be the rear bearings are going, they are not noisy or make any grinding noise. So I torqued the drum back down to the correct specs and there is still a slight wobble. I know the rear bearings hardly ever go bad but could this be bearings?? The drum is a used one I put on a year ago after doing a brake job since the old drum was shot, and the used one was within limits. I plan on leaving on 1500 mile trip this Friday will end up being 3000 miles when I come back. Thanks for any help.

[ratwell]

Despite their size, rear bearings can go bad. All wheel breaing require grease and because it's a PITA to grease the rear ones, they are ignored and wear out. The orignal grease gets old, flung out etc.

The travel you feel in the hub means they at least need repacking. Inspection of the races are roller bearings for discoloration or scoring will tell you that they need replacing.

[nodtobob]

Right on Ratwell, thanks will repack them or just replace both of them before I leave, so I won't think about it the whole trip.