Project scope creep - Repacking bearings

db_cooper

What started as just adding grease through the grease zerk,  turned into a full repacking session.  Both wheels on our 2 year old Outback had some play,  drivers side a bit worse than the passenger side.  I'm guessing there's no more than 3000 miles on the trailer.  The drivers side needed to move about 3 notches to take out the play, while the other side only one.   After determining how much play there was,  I decided to inspect all the bearings and races.  They looked fine,  so I repacked with grease and put it all back together.  No play now,  so glad I checked,   as I really thought doing the bearings every year was overkill.   Not a tough job, and now I know what's going on in there.

I'm wondering if they were over cautious at the factory about over tightening, or is it normal after a little wear in?