Hub Temps?

[rkersh409]

Just put the new axle and springs on my tandem axle boat trailer. I have never repacked bearings so do not know how tight to tighten the castle nut. So I put the hub on and hand tightened the castle nut and spun the hub for a while. Unscrewed the nut and retightened it several times to get the bearings set in. Even with the nut hand tight it was hard to turn the hub by hand (would not spin freely). Then I took pliers and tightened it to the next void to get the cotter key in. So they are basically a little more than hand tight. Took it out for a 10 mile test trip and the hubs were a little warmer then the back axel. One was 79 degrees and one was 87 while the back ones where 72 degrees. Is this normal or is something wrong?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Hub Temps?

you should be tightening it while spinning and then LOOSENING it before putting it the pin....
You'll find that 99% of questions have already been answered here several times..... check out this recent thread for more details
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=530405

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Hub Temps?

Temps are fine. Probably brake drag affecting rotation.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Hub Temps?

while those temps are far from dangerous, the bearings are not setup correctly and will not live long happy lives as they are

 

[rkersh409]

Re: Hub Temps?

while those temps are far from dangerous, the bearings are not setup correctly and will not live long happy lives as they are

So do you think i have the nut too tight or maybe the bearing not seated all the way?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Hub Temps?

So do you think i have the nut too tight or maybe the bearing not seated all the way?

Ayuh,... Hard to say, But,... I always back the nut Off to catch the cotter pin, rather than the next step Tighter...

 

[rkersh409]

Re: Hub Temps?

Ayuh,... Hard to say, But,... I always back the nut Off to catch the cotter pin, rather than the next step Tighter...

I hand tightened it then took the pliers and tightened it down to the next available space for the cotter pin. If I go looser it will only be hand tight. If I put my hands on top and bottom of tire and pull I can feel a tiny bit of play. Does all the play need to be taken out?

 

[robert graham]

Re: Hub Temps?

That nut should only be hand/finger-tight, no wrenches or channel-locks required. Just a bit of play in the wheel is normal. Like Bond-O said, always loosen the nut to the next cotter pin hole. The bearings should always be about ambient temperature....well lubricated and properly set roller bearings don't generate much heat, if any...Good Luck!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Hub Temps?

Tapered roller bearings need a small amount play. You tighten the nut to seat the bearings. Then loosen the nut and then tighten it finger tight. Grasp the wheel at the top and bottom or front & back and wiggle it laterally (not rotatngit). You should feel just a very slight of play. NOT SLOPPY loose. If the slot is not aligned with the hole in the spindle, loosen the nut to the next slot.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Hub Temps?

I tighten with a ratchet to what I consider tight by feel (call it 30 ft/lbs) while rotating the wheel.... then I back it off and tighten again without turning wheel by feel (maybe 1 or 2 ft/lbs) and then back it off and pop in the pin.... the amount to back off depends on the threads but basically I want to be able to turn the washer between the nut and the bearing.... I use my own system and it works but it is VERY dependent on an acquired feel that someone with less experience would not have.... I'd say that you did not properly seat your bearings and as such you really have no idea how tight the bearings are.... I could grab it and tell you but I can't tell you what it should feel like to you..... my advice is to jack it up and do it again.... If ever in doubt ALWAYS err on the side of loose.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Hub Temps?

http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html#pre-loadbearings