play in back wheel

[shrike]

I was checking the chain today and by chance I checked the rear wheel and found it has some play. I was holding it at the 12o clock and 6o clock position and push-pull on it. The play seems to be at where both halves of the wheel meet. If I am not mistaken there is a rubber cushion in there. The play is not much but I can feel it with my fingers as well as a tock-tock if that sums it well.
Is that normal?

Thanks.

[txbanditrydr]

Side to side (ie: left to right) play could be the result of a spacer missing.  I assume you have the axle nut fully tightened.

Rotating play (ie: front to back) could be too loose of chain, a loose or worn countersprocket or countershaft splines.

What amount of movement are you talking about???

[shrike]

well the play is really not much, I can feel a very small movement with my fingers when I put them on both halves of the wheel. Maybe .005-.01 I would say. The movement is side to side but only if I push on the top and bottom of the wheel, not left and right. The threads in the axle are not in their best shape so maybe I am not tightening it as much. I will change it in not too long. Hopefully that will fix the problem.

[pmackie]

Hey Shrike

Is the play in the wheel (wheel bearings) or in the cush drive that holds the spocket (some play would be normal)?

If you're feeling play in the wheel bearings, or between the wheel and the axle, you likely have some worn parts, and you should dismantle and inspect. If the bearings are worn, you will want to replace them ASAP. If the axle is worn, you could have bearings starting to sieze.

You should check to verify.

[shrike]

Hello pmackie.
I think it was more the cush drive. than bearings. I could feel it mainly where the two halves of the wheel almost joined together. I don't know how to explain it better than that.  But the bike is now gone. Anyways it was low mileage (16000km) and not abused to have bad bearings or a worn axle.