2000 outback front hub

[Praxis]

Hi all,
I just replaced my front left half shaft, and noticed when I removed
the half shaft, that the hub was loose. I don't have a manual, but I
was wondering if the front hub is supposed to be loose. I can push it
back in, like the axle nut was pulling it back, and it seems to seat
in the bearing fine, and rotates fairly smoothly. I am getting noise
out of the front end, and plan on replacing the bearings, but just
curious about the hub.

Thanks
Bret

 

[AS]

The axle and the nut preloads the front bearing. With the axle off it
is normal to see some play there. Once the nut is tight, there should
not be any play.

 

[Bob Noble]

If that nut is loose, it can cause the front end to make all kinds of bad
noises.
It should not be run loose.
As I remember the manual said to tighten it just past snug and put the
cotter pin in.
I think I'd tighten it real tight and then back it off and tighten just past
snug to be sure it was seated all the way down.
Your noises may disappear if you tighten this up properly.

I would grease the bearings instead of replacing them. Even sealed bearings
are easy to grease. Just pry off the rubber side with something not too
sharp and expose the ball bearings. Put some grease on the balls in there
and snap the plastic side back on. I do this to even new bearings as I don't
think most come with much grease in them.
Bearings are tough and rarely should need to be replaced.

 

[Praxis]

If that nut is loose, it can cause the front end to make all kinds of bad
noises.
It should not be run loose.
As I remember the manual said to tighten it just past snug and put the
cotter pin in.
I think I'd tighten it real tight and then back it off and tighten just past
snug to be sure it was seated all the way down.
Your noises may disappear if you tighten this up properly.

I would grease the bearings instead of replacing them. Even sealed bearings
are easy to grease. Just pry off the rubber side with something not too
sharp and expose the ball bearings. Put some grease on the balls in there
and snap the plastic side back on. I do this to even new bearings as I don't
think most come with much grease in them.
Bearings are tough and rarely should need to be replaced.

I actually think I may have over tightened the nut a bit. I am going
to pull it apart tomorrow, grease the bearing and see how it goes. It
did seem to operate smoothly by hand when I pushed the hub in and spun
it.
Thanks for the quick responses.
Bret