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I just got a 2nd hand Chariot; noticed the rear wheels have a small amount of sideways play. If my bike's rear wheel was wobbling like that, I'd definitely be changing bearings, but wondered if maybe a bit of play is normal for the trailer?
Is it in the axle itself, or where it fits to the trailer? There shouldn't be any play in the hub bearings, but it's normal to have a bit of play where the QR axle slides into the frame tube.
+1 for bencooper - we have a brand new trailer and it does the same thing.
It's because the wheels are removable, there is a bit of play where they attach. Easy enough to check the bearings just by popping the wheels off. Doesn't seem to have any negative effect in use.
After 3 years of heavy use the bit of play is so bad on mine I've had people tell me the wheels are about to come off .... 😳
On closer inspection I've got 2-3mm of play at the rim. I think the bearings are partly responsible (though the side to side play is evident as well). Doesn't seem very serious and there do seem to be replacement bearings on sale, though the exploded parts diagrams linked from the following page don't include the Cougar 2 which has a different wheel assembly
https://en.hollandbikeshop.com/bicycle-trailers/thule-chariot-bicycle-trailers/thule-chariot-cougar/thule-chariot-cougar-parts/thule-chariot-bearing-1550101773-cougar-1-2002-2003/
Has anyone tried replacing the bearings, is it tricky to do with the push-fit axle?
10 year old heavily used cx2 here. Slightly rattly wheels with push button qr, but still firmly attached and run smoothly.