Originally Posted by
iforgotmename
First of all I am winging it, but I didn't make it too tight or too loose. By my calculations...which are ok at best. There was a little side to side movement when I remounted the wheel before taking it apart. Everything was in good shape and I did reuse the balls. It feels nice but maybe a little too tight. From what I have read I probably need to readjust the preload. It's just nice to get input from real people. Thanks...everyone was a noob at one point.
If you're using Quick Release skewers, what you feel before the QR is set is not the preload that you get after it's tightened. The QR actually compresses the axle, making the preload somewhat tighter. You have to set it "too loose". Finding that spot where you get it just "too loose" enough is something of an art. It may take you half a dozen tries to get it right.
Try again and let us know how it went.