After reading all the discussions on freeplay on front hubs, I decided to call Meritor today and get a reason for the play. The person I spoke to was well aware of the issue and as was posted by Bob the only reason for the play is that on the assembly line and in the field they cannot measure preload. They have determined that the 1 to 5 thousandths play does not decrease the bearing life enough to recommend an immeasurable preload. He was aware as are the engineers that a slight preload will extend the bearing life and the seal life.
When I removed the locks on the axles the bearing nuts were about an eighth of an inch loose. The coach has 93,000 miles on it and the bearings showed no wear, but both seals were leaking. So the freeplay didn't wear the bearings out but I believe it caused the seals to wear out as the hub would move slightly in turns. I assembled with zero to slight preload which moved the dowel on the bearing nut from 5:00 to the 6:00 position. and I accept the so called indefensible issue. This is the way I have been doing trucks and heavy equipment all my working career.
Thank you Craneman for the thread, I'm about to pull the stemco cap and for a new one on the right wheel. Now I'll jack it clear and check the bearing/nut assy.
Thanks
Did you notice a difference in the driving?
That won't take place until Oct.