[Vwdiesel] 1981 Rabbit pick-up rear axle wheel bearings question

[Caleb Van Dyke]

Today I was checking my rear wheel bearings on my 1981 Rabbit pick-up after replacing them about 500 miles ago, and I noticed I can move the wheels in and out just a bit when I take the top and pull it out then push it back in, almost like there is some play there. According to my Haynes manual, it says to tighten the nut on the bearing while turning the hub, then to back off the nut again, then to tighten the nut enough to just move (or turn the washer the manual says) the thrust washer (one that nut tightens onto) with a screwdriver. To be able to do this I can only finger tighten the nut which makes the wheel seem to be loose as I described above where I can feel a bit of "play". The manual says I shouldn't be able to move it in and out at all, but to be able to move or turn the thrust washer I can only finger tighten the nut as tight as I can get it. Does this sound right? My front bearings don't do this at all, although I know they are sealed
 bearings. 

Caleb