Bearing replacement

[andrewnzinuk]

Hi All. It's summer in New Zealand. Xmas and lake holidays. Took boat trailer to get a certification to use on the roads (called a warrant of fitness here, not sure what it is called in the US, basically an independent yearly check). Anyway it failed with needing a wheel bearing replacement. I cannot do, so have booked in immediately after Xmas statutory holidays. The trailer is a 2005 Four Wiins model DO180BS. I want to know what parts I need to replace the wheel bearing, ideally what size the bearing component's are, hopefully to make mechanics job easier. Any help much appreciated. Not getting to the lake is not an option, and yes I should have been more organised and done in advance of Xmas.

Thanks

Andrew

 

[thumpar]

I would think the shop would have them on hand in either size. You would have to take it off to know for sure what size they are. It is not a hard job to do. He in my state (WA) we don't have any checks like that.

 

[Scott Danforth]

if its a single axle trailer, most likely a 3500# axle

 

[gm280]

Andrew, I have no idea of your abilities, but this is really a very easy job. If you did a little internet search, you will find a ton of information on how to actually do this job. And I am pretty sure there are YouTube videos showing the entire procedures too. And it takes so little tools as well. So if you have the abilities and the tools, and are actually allowed to do the job yourself there :noidea: you could save a lot of time and money and be running today without issue.

The actual size depends on the type trailer. And that can be found out by removing the dust cap/bearing cover and removing the cotter pin and spinning off the castle nut. Then you can remove the bearings very easily. Take them to a parts store and buy replacements of the same sizes. Come back regrease them and reinstall the new races after knocking out the old ones and install the new races and newly greased bearings. Easy Peasy!

 

[thumpar]

Even the Walmarts around here carry the 2 different size bearings. You could just remove one wheel and pull the bearing to find the size and go get them.

 

[keith2k455]

If the guy doing this work is that concerned about installing the wrong bearing, you need to go somewhere else.

Although this job IS that easy, I understand some apprehension to doing it. Packing the bearing and correctly tightening the nut so there is the right amount of play can make a novice nervous.

 

[GA_Boater]

Since it's already Christmas day in New Zealand, chances of Andrew finding an open store or shop is kinda remote.

When the trailer goes to the shop after Christmas, the mechanic shouldn't have any trouble getting the proper bearings.

Merry Christmas.

 

[superbenk]

It may not be so easy to source the bearings as everyone makes out. My 2008 Four Winns trailer has oil bath bearings on a 5000 lb single-axle & finding the right bearings required me going to a trailer specialty shop in a pinch. They weren't wavailable in Walmarts or tractor supply stores or any automotive stores. If I had time I would have found them online, but it was an emergency. I carry spares now.

Anyhow, you'll have to pull the bearings as suggested & read the number stamped on them to see what you need. Make sure you get the inner bearing & correct seal too (oil bath is slightly different seal than grease I think - not sure what you have).

Buy spares & keep on hand with the trailer at all times.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Good point. If the axle is a 5k or 6k axle, a trip to a trailer store would be required. Wally world only has bearings for 2k and 3500# axles

 

[keith2k455]

That is a good point. Even the trailer store doesn't carry any special sizes here. I can't even wander out and buy brake shoes, have to order them.

 

[StarTed]

I believe there may be a problem from a legal point of view in New Zealand since it has gone through inspection and a mechanic is now involved.

 

[thumpar]

That is a good point. Even the trailer store doesn't carry any special sizes here. I can't even wander out and buy brake shoes, have to order them.

I buy new backing plates that come with new shoes. It is cheaper. The whole assembly is only $40 each.