Hub Bearing Replacement

[rkersh409]

I pulled my hubs and bearings in order to replace my axle. I just replaced my bearings two years ago so I don?t need to change them. The guy at the trailer shop said to make sure I put the exact bearing back where it came off. Does anyone know if this is true? I have no idea which bearing goes to which hub at this time. If I don?t get them back in the same spot what problems will it cause?

Thanks,
Robert

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: Hub Bearing Replacement

Each bearing and race wear as a matched set. Since minor differences in actual angles and diameters occur during the manufacturing process, they should be keep in the same pairs as originally run.

Since you already mismatched them, just check them more often for proper adjustment as they may wear in some to refit a new "partner". Maybe you got lucky and got them where they belong.

Jeff

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Hub Bearing Replacement

Bearings and races are available separately although they generally are packaged together for the average consumer. Bearing tolerances are so close these days that installing separately purchased items is not an issue. However, since the bearings are two years old they may have developed wear patterns that may cause issues. If there are just a few hundred miles on them I wouldn't worry about mixing and matching. But if this were my rig the hubs wold get new bearings anyway -- they are simply that inexpensive and not worth worrying about. Replace them.

 

[Chriswalden]

Re: Hub Bearing Replacement

I'm with Silvertip, if you are replacing axles, why not get the extra insurance and just put some brand new bearings in there. That are relatively inexpensive.