[T3] 73 T3 IRS rear bearings?

[Jim Adney]

On 4 Feb 2016 at 10:53, William J wrote:

>  I noticed the other day when I had the right rear jacked up that I
> could grab the tire front and rear and rock it about 1/8" at the tires
> edge and if I grabbed the tire top and bottom it moved the same
> amount. There is no in/ out movement . The play feels much like a
> loose front wheel bearing . Driving it I never hear any noise like a
> rough bearing . The outer is a roller and inner is a ball bearing. 

I'm not completely sure, but I suspect what you're seeing is 
completely normal. The combination of the ball and roller bearing 
does not allow for removing all play, like a pair of tapered roller 
bearings would. These IRS rear wheel bearings seem to be extremely 
reliable. The only one I've ever seen fail was on a car where the nut 
and drum came loose and the outer roller bearing came apart. In spite 
of the damage, the parts were all still there and I was able to just 
put it back together. It lasted for at least several more years, 
after which I lost contact with the car.   

The only thing I might recommend would be to remove that new cotter 
pin and make sure the nut is tightened to spec. Then be sure to 
reinstall the cotter pin.

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Jim Adney, jadney at vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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