I recently adjusted all the wheels of a brand new Spectrum Dash 8-40CW to conform to the NMRA standards in order to use my loco on Atlas code 55 tracks.

I had to slide the wheels outward from each others in order to achieve the proper gauge.

After that operation, I noticed a big play with the axles pinion assembly. Now the loco is moving from side to side on its axle in the trucks. The pinion gears follow the axles so I'm sure I didn't broke the plastic gears but I'm wondering if this is issue is normal.

I have an older Spectrum (1st run) which I have done the same thing and there is less play in the trucks.

I would like to know if there is any problem to operate the locomotive if the pinions gears move from side to side inside the hole underside the trucks ? Can it cause premature wear of the gears or too much load on the motor ?

Thanks for your help !