Why would a rear wheel bearing lock nut get loose?

ytk

Active member
Joined
Dec 6, 2014
Location
IL
TDI
MK3
Hi every one ,
On an inspection of the rear wheels(drum brakes) some play was felt on both. I disassembled one of them and discovered the lock nut not fully tightened, kept going,grease on bearings was pretty dry and the rear seal came of really easily and looks a bit dry.
Repacked the bearings with grease put every thing back together , tightened the lock nut just enough that there is no play put back the hexagonal washer and cotter pin. The thing is there is a gap between the washer and the nut , should it be this way? It seems that the lock nut might get loose again because of this gap and it will come to a stop when getting to the washer and cause the play.

Why would the lock nut get loose in the first place? Are the bearings/races/axle worn out and cause the gap and play?
When the nut is tight there seems to be no play and it sounds good when turning .
No wobbling or noises where notice prior to this inspection.

Thanks!
 

ToddA1

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Aug 3, 2011
Location
NJ 08002
TDI
'96 B4V, '97 B4 (sold), '97 Jetta (scrapped)
The bearings wear and the tolerances open. They’re supposed to be snugged up every so often, definitely not a “set it and forget it” thing.

-Todd
 
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