Halfshaft moving in & out - strange problem

[Ivan141]

This is pretty normal.. once you've taken the half-shafts out more than a few times they don't get stuck in there again soon.
The side play is something I had on my car as well, but haven't noticed any problems due to it. The plate you put over the bearing and bolt to the housing is supposed to stop it getting to far out.

If you want it firmly stuck in there I see 2 options:
1: wait for it to oxidize firmly in place again like your previous bearings.
2: add a bit of liquid gasket to the outside of the bearing and make your life miserable next time you need to take the half-shaft out (like my garage did for me once).

If anyone has any insights into preventing the side play issue then I too would be happy to hear it.