5 lug swap done, bad wheel bearing? or what?

[E30SRPower]

CLIFFNOTES: Does axle nut torque have a major effect on wheel-bearing play?

Hey guys,

I recently converted my rear suspension to E36 318Ti trailing arms. They are nearly identical to the e30 stuff, just in 5 lug.

I had a lot of play in the rear wheel in all directions, so I pulled the trailing arm and had a new wheel bearing pressed in. WHen I dropped it off at the shop, there was a lot of slop. WHen I got it back there was none. I put the arm back on the car and pounded the axle in. Now it is the exact same. So I pulled the trailing arm. THe play is in the bearing. Do you have to have the axle nut torqued to have the wheel not be loose? I would have checked it, but the threads are a little chewed up. I have a tap on the way to fix them with...

thanks in advance,

Joey

[Snowmann]

If I remember correctly, you can destroy the bearing upon installation of the hub, Since the bearing has that dual inner section its very easy to wreck that. I believe the axle nut should pre load the bearing however as well?