Bearing inspection

[rhunter73]

Hi,
After reading these forums and viewing hours of youtube vids on how to disassemble hubs and bearings i decided to inspect the bearings and hubs on the used trailer I bought. I wanted to insure that they weren't dry or other goofy things weren't going on.

It seems to have new hubs, the bearings seemed newish (I could still read some stock numbers on the outer bearings) and they were packed with fresh red/pink grease. The tires and rims are new.

The wheels spin free and there is very little to no play in the wheels.

This is a trailer for a 12 foot johnboat. The trailer itself weighs about 300lbs total with the boat on; I don't even use a jack to put it on the stands, I just grab the axle and heft it on the jack stand, it is really light.

I am planning two 600 mile trips with the boat this season and some shorter local trips.

So.... what is the expected lifespan for bearings and hubs on a trailer like this?
I am thinking that if I inspect them before every trip and check the grease level and seals they should be OK for a year or two before I need to replace the bearings, race, seals etc. or I am being too optimistic?

Thanks in advance!

Roger

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Bearing inspection

20 years or 100,000 miles lol if their kept lubed and no water intrusion.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Bearing inspection

Put some bearing buddies on them and they will last forever. Well just about if you keep lube in the buddies. bearing buddy - iboats

 

[ricohman]

Re: Bearing inspection

Remember, you actually have to remove a bearing to inspect it, not just look from the outside.
Lots of times all you can see is clean grease. But pull the bearing out and it becomes obvious that they need fresh grease.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: Bearing inspection

Life span= Life........ God Bless U,, wish my John Boat did not weigh 2500lbs.

keep em greased by friend...you have little problems with that light load,,

 

[rhunter73]

Re: Bearing inspection

Remember, you actually have to remove a bearing to inspect it, not juinst look from the outside.
Lots of times all you can see is clean grease. But pull the bearing out and it becomes obvious that they need fresh grease.

Ricohman,
Thanks. I finally broke down and took off the tire, removed the hub and inspected all the gory cracks and crevices. Ouch! The driver's side inside seal was counter sunk and wavy. I figured in for a penny in for a pound... The passenger side was.... ... ...
not as bad, but still not good.

At least the bearings seem OK, and the races/cups are not pitted or too goofy.

OK. I really don't know what happened, but I am guessing that I am lucky I figured this out now rather than 150 miles outside of Lee Vining.

Well, now I have to get two new seals (of the correct size this time, so they don't bleeping leak), two new bearings, and two new races. I am guessing that the in the 100 miles I traveled with the "counter sunk" seal that the bearing didn't move too much. I am hoping my local trailer/marine store has these 1 inch axle parts in stock... Hope Hope Hope.

Now for everyone to pile on and tell me what I need to get. My spindle is 1 inch by 4 inches. The next step up from that is 1.315 to 1.32 depending on the side.
I am thinking that I need the 1.372 ID seal with the correct 1.98 OD seal?
The prior owner had the 1.25 ID seal, and I think that caused some "issues"
Edited, nope 1.25 was the correct ID seal size, the problem was a metal burr on the seal bearing, I took it down and made it smooth.

Again, I am glad to figure this out now rather that 500 miles from home, let me know if I am correct in my assumptions above.

The wisdom here is great. I should have spent more time taking apart my trailer than goofing around here.
Thanks!

Roger

 

[ricohman]

Re: Bearing inspection

If the bearings look good, and the races are also in good shape, I would clean them/pack them and use them. All you need is a pair of new seals.
This is just a simple repack and new seals are always required for this anyway.

 

[Bartine]

Re: Bearing inspection

Also if you do get new bearings there is a small difference between 1" and 1.06". Make sure they aren't 1 1/16" bearings.

 

[rhunter73]

Re: Bearing inspection

It was pretty much as you noted. I just cleaned and repacked. The bearings and races were OK. The seals were shot, throwing grease all over the place.

I picked up some new bearing/race, grease and extra seals at my local boat store (way cheaper than my local trailer store). I had them re-packed and on in pretty quickly. I had to knock down a barb where the seal sits, but they were pretty easy to replace.

Thanks!

If the bearings look good, and the races are also in good shape, I would clean them/pack them and use them. All you need is a pair of new seals.
This is just a simple repack and new seals are always required for this anyway.