Rear wheel bearing issues

[julie at menloparkrandd.com (julie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)]

I go through the same thing with my rears. Using a screw driver to TAP the races in might be my culprit.

>-----Original Message-----
>From: Nate Mellom [mailto:doubt@xxxxxxxxxx]
>Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 07:34 PM
>To: 'Scirocco list'
>Subject: Rear wheel bearing issues
>
>All,
>I took to replacing the rear wheel bearings on my (*) yesterday. I 
>installed 2 complete kits: inner and outer bearings, inner and outer 
>races, grease seals, axle nut retainers and cotter keys. Packed the 
>bearings with Lucas grease, cleaned and lubed all parts, packed the 
>bearings tight. Problem is, I'm getting axial play in both rear wheels. 
> I tightened the nuts to spec (every book I looked in called for just 
>enough torque to be able to push the retaining washer with a 
>screwdriver, or 7.5 lb/ft). The axle stubs are in perfect condition, no 
>unusual wear or scoring. If I tighten the axle nut enough to get the 
>play out, the wheel barely turns 1/8 revolution on its own power. I'm 
>reluctant to tighten them up too much. Is there inherent slop in rear 
>wheel bearings? Should I repack the bearings, maybe there's some air 
>space in them? They were loose last night, I drove it to work today and 
>rechecked (40 highway miles on them), still play.
>
>Thanks,
>Nate
>
>(*) could be any A1/A2/A3 rear disk brake equipped VW. Not ready for an 
>announcement yet.
>
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