Originally Posted by
cny-bikeman
If you can shake it side to side the bearing does indeed need adjustment. If it's solid when you try to move it side to side but wavers at the brakes when turning it's spokes/rim. If both of those are OK but the tread on the tire moves back and forth the tire needs attention. In any case, don't watch out for it, have it fixed!
This covers the bases. except that bearing adjustment should be attended to ASAP, whereas minor mis-alignment can be ignored or put off as long as there's no rub on the brakes.
Originally Posted by
dedhed
Older may be a freewheel hub and a broken axle.
Always a possibility, but will be discovered when the bearings (cones) are adjusted.