Check those hubs

[jon the fisherman]

I got home from the lake yesterday, and checked my hubs on the trailer. I always do this now to keep from having bearing problems. One of my hubs was hot to the touch, so I am going to repack the wheel bearings. I am starting to think I may do this about once a year as a prevention. It is fairly easy to do, just a little messy. I had a wheel bearing go out last year as some might remember, but I was lucky to have a tandom axle trailer, so I was able to limp home. It damaged my spindles, and I had to purchase a new axle. Those with single axle trailers should really keep an eye on it so as not to get stranded. The worst part is replacing the bearing races. The races are inside the hub and should be smooth. they are a tight fit and have to be beat out with a brass punch. Then the new ones are set in with the brass punch, and it helps to freeze the races when putting them back in. You just slowly work around the race with the punch until it is seated. Then to pack the bearings, you put a glob of grease in the palm of your hand and work the grease into the side of the bearings, and push it in until it oozes out the other side. I will post step by step so those with a little mechanical ability can see how easy it is.

 

[MadBomber]

You can cut down on some of the mess by doing the repacking inside a zip-loc bag.

 

[jon the fisherman]

MadBomber - 6/25/2007 9:50 AM

You can cut down on some of the mess by doing the repacking inside a zip-loc bag.

Good Idea MB

Also could use latex, or similar glove

 

[hl&s]

Once a year seems to be a good preventative maintenance time interval. I service my bearings every January, the only month I don't fish, and have never had a bearing failure. Make sure you do not overtighten the bearing nut as this will cause lack of lubrication and overheating.

Other trailer items to check are the lug nuts and winch strap. Check lug nuts once a month and visually inspect the strap for dry rot and broken threads.

 

[Buoy-Master]

LOL! I love the fact that you guys are dicussing this. Lord know I have to tell people everyday this stuff!!! </p>

Also, Keep in mind...a tire generally looses 1-3 lbs of pressure a month! DO NOT under inflate for a "smooth ride" do not over inflate thinking your carry more!!! Its will not work. Keep your PSIs 1-3 pounds over and under. Never anymore than that even though they say you can!</p>

Anyone have the bearing buddy covers that have the grease insert? Grease them periodicaly but grease until they are full and stop. It can and will blow the rear seal! go about 1/2 inch out and stop! </p>

(a message from your Trailer Guru)

</p>

 

[TheFisherman]

Does anyone know anything about the newer liquid filled bearings - I have them on my tandem axle trailer and am told you don't have ot do anything, but surely they need some kind of occasional serviceing. Mine stay nice and cool though. Just hard to imagine that they are that waterproof.

 

[Guest]

I use the bearing Buddies that have the purge hole in them. Impossible to blow rear seal and I never pack bearings and never have had a problem. I pull my boat a few thousand miles a year at highway speed. Tire inflation is definitely a key to longevity.

Cheez