Tires and Wheel Bearings

[Texas Transplant]

Just wanted to remind everyone, to continually check those tires and wheel bearings on your trailers. Got back early Sunday morning (night tourney) from Wylie. Only towed 20 minutes to the house.



When I got out, I thought I smelled something. Tire on the left side is getting out-of-round and probably needs replacing. Worse is that when I checked the wheel bearings (touching the case), they were too warm. Not HOT mind you, but too warm. Ones on the right were fine.



Will be jacking it up and repacking this week (both).



I've got Bearing Buddies. Any paticular suggestions/warnings that I should be aware of?



Tex

 

[Larry Harp]

I've toyed with the idea that when the time comes to replace the bearings that I would spend a little more money and replace hubs and all to the type of hubs that run in an oil bath like the Ranger trailers. That seems like a pretty smart system to me.



Harpo

 

[Jim B]

I have to disagree with Harpo. I dont like the oil bath systems at all. With oil bath if you loose a seal you are guaranteed to loose the bearings on that hub. I know peolpe who have lost them. Regular hubs if you lose a seal all the grease wont come out instantly, as long as you check the condition regularly it should never be a problem. i trailer over 25k a year and i have never had a failure of any type with my regular setup.



Tex, do you have brakes on your trailer? If you do i would look at those too ame make sure you dont have a hung brake on that side. Have you ever done a repack before? i did a grab bag article that isnt posted yet, i can put a link to it if you want to see whats involved. I have to make some edits i just havent gotten around to it yet.

 

[Christopher Laurencio]

My trailer is new this season, maybe put 400 miles on it so far. When should I check the bearings and how?. What else would you suggest I take a look at? On Boat & Trailer.

 

[Texas Transplant]

No brakes on the trailer. Just a straight two wheeled 'common' system. Yes Jim, would love to see your article. Post up and I'll take a look.



Tex

 

[Larry Harp]

Jim B, that's interesting. I have no experiance with those type of hubs. Like marrying a super-model....it seems like a good idea but maybe doesn't work out so well. :>))

Thanks for the info.



Harpo

 

[TrepMan]

Uh Harpo - I'll try the Marrying a Super-Model and tell you how it works. First gotta move to Utah and become a morman so my current wife will let me!!! LOL

 

[Texas Transplant]

Yeah Trep. I'm sure that will work!



Tex

 

[Texas Transplant]

Well, I found the problem. Guess that those bearing buddies don't work too well when they are GONE! When I got home today, I got out of my car and looked directly over and across from my car at the wheel/tire. No BB on the wheel. Just a lump of grease waiting to drop off.



No wonder it was warm. I checked it at 3:00AM in the morning when I returned home.



Oh well. Got to measure for the precise size and buy another set.



Tex

 

[William H. (Bill) Barham]

Trep, Becca will kick your A$$....



Bill

 

[Steve Rizza]

Tex -

I lost two (or were stolen) on two different occasions.I ended up drilling a small hole on each side, and tapping it so I could run a set screw into each side.Haven't lost one since.

 

[Jim B]

Tex here is a link to that article, i need to make a few changes to make some things a little clearer, let me know what you think.



When you put the new caps on try a little red locktite on the flange where it fits in. I have been putting that on for years and ive never lost one since doing that. Its easier then putting a screw in. Also check the end play in the bearings, if the wheel has any wobble in it, it will make the cap "walk" off.
http://www.massbassbuddies.org/bearings/index.htm

 

[Texas Transplant]

Jim,



Liked the article. Only have one suggestion at this time. The 'red circles' on the drawing are very hard to see. Can you make them 'bolder' (thicker lines)?



Although you didn't use them, might make the suggestion that they get some type of surgical glove (drug store) to wear during the process.



Otherwise, very nice job.



Tex

 

[Texas Transplant]

Jim,



Also, I have a suggestion for you. Put a description and link to the Northern Tool and Equipment web site in your article. They have more trailer parts and accessories than I've found anywhere. If there is not a store close by, you can order on-line.



Link below.



Tex
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...yId=166839&storeId=6970&catalogId=4006970&lan