Wheel Bearings

[kwk]

I just bought my first boat and trailer (used). It appears that the back seal has been blown out on one wheel and grease is leaking out. I'm told this can happen by overfilling the bearing buddies. Is there a way to replace the seal without replacing the entire bearing? How do I know if the bearing needs replacing and how do I replace it?

 

[Ranger354]

Re: Wheel Bearings

Spend the few extra bucks and replace all of it. Seen too many folks broke down and making a good trip bad because of a $5 part.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Wheel Bearings

You should read and connect to the link in the other wheel bearings discussion listed just a few weeks ago.<br /><br />Yes you can just replace the seals with out the bearings. Considering that you purchased the trailer used... it would be a wise decision to replace both seals and repack both sets of wheel bearings. Do not trust what you were told about the trailer and do it yourself. This will give you a basis to see the actual condition of the bearings. It is good practice to do the bearings at least once per season.<br /><br />Bob

 

[wau1252992]

Re: Wheel Bearings

I couldn't agree with Ranger 354 and Bob VT more, A set of bearings properly packed and new seals is REALLY cheap insurance against something that could zap precious boating-vacation time. Have a GREAT boating season, Bill

 

[jimdi]

Re: Wheel Bearings

To change the seal - pull off the grease cap - take out the cotter pin (replace with a new one when done) slide entire wheel assempbly off - front bearings will fall out front opening - rear seal will hold in back bearings. pop out seal with screw driver - throw away. clean bearings with solvent and dry with compressed air - inspect for discoloration or other marks - check and clean spindle on trailer for any damage.<br />repack bearings with marine grease - be sure to "pack grease" in completely into bearings and bearing cage.<br /><br />grease inside of wheel and races - IF YOU ARE USING BEARING BUDDIES - I WOULD USE BEARING BUDDY GREASE SEALS - THEY HOLD THE PRESSURE THAT BEARING BUDDIES PUT ON A SEAL. OTHER SEALS WILL BLOW OUT<br /><br />place back bearing back into race - and carfully tap seal back in place with a block of wood.<br /><br />put wheel on spindle carfully - then replace front bearing into race - replace washer & nut.<br />Tighten nut snug and spin wheel to seat bearings - THEN LOOSEN NUT AND LIGHTLY SNUG IT BACK TO WASHER - DO NOT TORQUE AT ALL! THIS SHOULD BE JUST ABOUT FINGER TIGHT.<br /><br />put in new cotter pin<br /><br />Replace grease cap<br /><br />wheel should spin freely when done with no in/out wobble<br /><br /><br /> <br />

 

[Gerald K4NHN]

Re: Wheel Bearings

I've been reading the mail about the bearing buddies and seals, and etc. No one has commented on the seals being cut out from the roughness of the axle where the seal rides.<br /><br />It was brought to my attention by a local trailer manufactor that the area that the seals ride on are not a polished surface and this cuts out the seal real quick and the seal no longer can keep the water and dirt out.<br /><br />I had noticed thatI could put in a new set of everything and drive 15 miles to the lake and when I returned and pulled the whells that there would be water inside.<br /><br />The cure is there is a thin stainless steel collar that is made to slide over the axle at that area and a new seal with a smaller Id, only thousands of an inch, and now the seal rides on this new slick smooth surface and the seal does its job like its suppose to. I've never had water getting into the inside of the hubs again. I have these on my utility trailer also that has full size tires and they have performs just as well.<br /><br />The next time you pull off the hubs, take a look at the axle and see if it's polished real smooth and take a close look at the edge of the seal surface and see if it's nice and sharpe or it's been cut down by the axle.<br /><br />I don't use bearning buddies, and check and grease hubs once a year now. I use to go through a couple of sets of everything each year. It's beem 8 - 10 years since I've replaced anything, and I pull one of my trailers each year on a 2,000 mile trip.<br /><br />I've been able to find these items at the trailer shops, a very few boat dealers know about this, it cuts down on the bearings sales, and the local bearning distributors.<br /><br />Gerald K4NHN<br />Cayce, SC