New wheel bearing slop

[Phatdonkey78]

Just replaced both front wheel bearings on my 2007 hatch.

When I pressed them in, there was some play in the bearing. Pressed in the hub and the whole thing still had play. I know these Timken bearings seem to be split down the middle. As I installed the axle nut it tightened up some. When I put the wheel back on and tightened the axle nut to 165 ft pounds and jacked the wheel back off the ground, the play was gone completely. I have since driven around the neighborhood and went and got gas and the bearings are nice and quiet.

I'm basically just making sure this is how the bearings tighten up? Is it normal for there to be some play until the axle nut is tight?

Thanks in advance.

[Sharky808]

I've done a ton of bearings over the years (used to work in a shop). Just make sure when you were pressing it in that everything was supported properly, and all your snap rings installed. Supporting the back side of the bearing/race when the hubs are pressed in.
It shouldn't have play in the hub, should be nice and snug. If you have about 1/8" or so of back and forth play you may have bearing noise issues later down the road. The axles do tighten them together, yes.
So if you notice noise a few months later you'll know. Timken been hit or miss sometimes. NSK is what I prefer and most oe is nsk

[ex-x-fire]

When pressing in a bearing into the knuckle you press on the out part of the bearing.
When pressing the flange into the bearing you support the inner part of the bearing.

[Sabina]

Yes, what you experienced with your Timken wheel bearings is normal. Many modern front wheel bearings, especially split inner race designs, rely on the axle nut to properly seat and eliminate play.