GT2544 loose wheels

[Morkai]

After using my GT2544 yesterday I had a right rear tire go down as I was getting ready to park it. I probably ran over something, but while I was checking the tire looking for a leak I found that it seems to have some play when you grab it and rock it side to side. Anyone else noticed this? I checked the lugs, all tight, it didn't seem to be the axle itself. it's either in the wheel or the hub. I'll pull it off today to find the leak and look more at the hub.

 

[Morkai]

Took the wheel off, found the leak. I was able to get a good look at the hub and axle. The axle does have about 1/16" or so end play, but the noise is coming from the hub that has about as much play. Is this normal and I just noticed it?

 

[JTKub]

Yep this play is a normal 2K series 'feature'. As you said, the fit between the bore on the rear wheel hub flanges and the turn on the rear axle shafts is a fairly loose fit. One hex head bolt and washer is all that attaches the whole rear wheel assembly to the axle shafts. As you've probably seen, the ends of the rear axles have flats machined on them as opposed to being keyed into the wheel hubs. What you want to do is remove each rear wheel assy and throw some never-seize on the ends of the axle shafts. It will quiet everything down and make rear wheel removal super easy in the future.

Joel