Speaking of Bearings....

[Andrew Zuber]

Speaking of Bearings....



How often do you change them as a preventative measure?



Mine have not been changed, but I re-pack them each year...

No signs of any seal leakage...

The trailer is a 2001, and I've put thousands of miles on it....



az

 

[Jim B]

My opinion, never unless there is a problem with them. As long as the bearing or race it sits in is not pitted, rusted or falling out of the cages there should be no good reason to change them.



I repack/ replace the seal on mine yearly too and they still look new. My trailer has close to 100k on it easily now.

 

[TOMMY RICH]

Bearings are bearings...boat or car.

If it doesn't have any blemishes or hot spots...your good to go.

I visually inspect and repack every year regardless of how much grease is pumped into them.

Seals should also be carefully inspected every year.

Always carry a spare set or two and a seal

 

[Steve Ferendo]

 

[Steve Ferendo]

OK, I don't know anything about how to pack or replace bearings. Is there an on line site that can give me that info? All my trailers in the past have had bearing buddies and I was always careful to keep them greased, but not over greased. The trailer I have now does not have the bearing buddies and I could use some advise.



Thanks

 

[TOMMY RICH]

Cat got your tongue?

 

[Scott left blank]

SteveFinMD...here ya go

1. Place a walnut sized glob of wheel bearing grease in one palm.

2. Grasp the bearing with the other hand so that the wider end is facing the grease.

3. What you want to do is force the grease into the gap between the inner race and the outer cage so that it squeezes up through the rollers and out the top.

4. Press the bearing down into the grease in a rocking motion and continue until the grease oozes up.

5. Rotate the bearing 1/4 turn, at a time, and continue until the bearing is completely filled with grease.



Or, if you're one of the ones that don't like to get your hands greasy, there also bearing packers.
http://www.become.com/shop?q=bearin...utm_medium=ssp&utm_term=bearing+packer+kd2775

 

[Steve Rizza]

Remember to clean and re-pack them when you winterize your boat. It's not good to have water sitting in them all winter.





Steve

 

[Rich Stern]

Disposable gloves work, too.



Here's a great reference for trailer maintenance and related projects:
http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html

 

[Steve Ferendo]

Thanks for the input. I'm almost afraid to ask, but what is your opinion of bearing buddies?

 

[Texas Transplant]

I wouldn't go near the lake without them, personally. Not much cost for added protection.



Tex