bearing play

Better to be slightly loose than too tight.

Went back to have bearing inspected.
all were good, plenty of grease. the one that was maybe loose required a turn of the axle nut. the retainer put back in.

The rule for most bearings that I was taught is noticeable play is too much play.

Think about it this way.. I'm good for about 200 perhaps 300 pounds of pressure on the wheel, that is all I can bring on the edge of the wheel to rattle the bearing.

The trailer may be good for thousands of pounds of pressure on the tire.

If I can move it enough to notice it.. Well......

TDoo bad you did not have a chance to give it a spin and listen for noise.

I'd much rather feel a touch of play, than a preload.

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Best practice would be to remove the wheel and drum, inspect the bearing cup and cone for unusual wear, if none, repack and reinstall.

I settle for just the tiniest perceptible movement, no audible noise.

The other 3 wheels had no movement. this wheel you barely could see it. taking a 300 mile round trip and was concerned.

YES, here should be some very slight play-- enough that you can feel it "click", but not enough to see real movement. Anyone who works on axles can tell on these smaller sizes by feel.

On larger ones (like on DP's) you need a dial indicator to check for end play.