Is Trailer Wheel Hub Play Normal?

Updated 02/26/2025 | Published 02/19/2025

Question:

I have a dual wheel tandem gooseneck and 2 hubs have a little play when you move the whee back and forth is that normal the other 2 hubs don’t have any play was just wondering if that was normal for them to have play. Also they are lippert axles do y’all have bearings for them?

asked by: Weston T

Expert Reply:

Hey Weston, a little play is normal for the most part as long as it's in and out. If the play is in basically any other direction that indicates a worn out bearing. In and out play can simply be that the spindle nut needs a little more tightening (not a lot). In what direction is the play.

We can get Lippert bearings but I would need to know what axle capacity you have.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Weston

2/19/2025

I’m holding the tire at the top and moving it back and forth. What other directions are you talking about? And they are 10k axles

Jameson C.

2/19/2025

@Weston Like from left to right or rotating. Try holding the tire in the 9:00 and 3:00 position and pulling in and out. That movement is okay.

Weston

2/26/2025

@JamesonC I’m holding it at 12:00 position and moving back and forth and it’s got some play is that ok?

Jameson C.

2/26/2025

@Weston When you say back and forth do you mean in and out (away from you and towards you?) If so that's fine. If from side to side that's not ideal.