Rear hub shaft tapered

[RyanD]

I didn't get any response at the other place, so I'll try again here.

I felt a little play in the rear wheels, so I thought I'd replace the bearings. I started with the left rear. The axle nut looked like it had loosened itself by less than 1/4 turn. After disassembling everything, I noticed that the hub shaft looked tapered. When I assembled the new bearing, the end of the shaft did not make contact with the inner race of the bearing. I assume it wasn't this way originally and has worn down?

I haven't worked on the right rear yet. It feels tighter and the axle nut is still tight. I'm wondering if I should bother replacing the bearing or if I should just order new hubs and/or uprights. I still have all of the original stock parts on the car with 5000 miles.

Thanks!

[DarthChicken]

Got a picture?

[RyanD]

Got a picture?

I didn't take a picture of mine, but this is the part I'm talking about. In Randy's diagram, it should make contact with both inner races of the bearing. Mine doesn't contact the inner race on the right.

[bolus]

I'd definitely replace the hub or just go with new uprights. If you replace the hub get the hardened spacers from TMI as well

Personally, I'd replace the bearings as well since if there is extra wear on the hub then the bearings took some stress as well.