trailer bearings

[Big_Drew]

How can you tell if the bearings of your trailer are worn. My boat has been sitting for three years and need to get it someplace for repair. Can I replace the bearings myself in the driveway if that is needed. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

[oldfisherman]

yes you can rerpair /replace bearings in your drive if you have the knowledge to do so. get the make and modle number of the data plate if trailer has one. or take the hub to your local boat dealer so you can get the correct size bearing and seals. buy a good marine bearing grease. and repack them .

[jeffman]

TECH,
Â* Â* Why replace them if they don't need it. Just because the boat has set for three years does not mean that the bearings need replaced.
Â* Â* Tear the hubs down and wash the bearings very well in safety solvent or mineral spirits and a stiff parts washing brush. Inspect the bearings and races closely. If they are pitted, they will need replaced. If they are not pitted, they can be repacked with MARINE wheel bearing grease and put back into the hubs, ALONG WITH NEW SEALS.


JackL

[Makitcnt4u]

I replaced my hubs, bearings, and wheels last year on my boat trailer. I bought hubs that already had the bearings in them. The hub/bearing combo was pretty cheap. It probably took me 2 hours in all. It's easy, I didn't even know what I was doing. I just started taking them apart. But only do it if you need new bearings. My boat sat for 15 years in the previous owner's garage and they did not need replacing

You could probably just repack them with grease and you will be fine.

[catfishtonyd]

http://www.bassboatcentral.com/sttipsbb.htm

[Rob Mak]

yeah you can replace them as long as the boat aint moving. want some real fun try it along a interstate in the weee hours of the morning -before day light- nothing will make you hustle like 18 wheelers whipping by only feet from you.

zooker

[jeffman]

ZOOKER,

That's how the "Break-Dance" was invented!!!

JackL

[housework101]

Save yourself some money and look in the yellow pages for bearing supply companies in your area.
I replaced the ones on my boat trailer last spring for a grand total of $25.00,unless they are super cheap all bearings and seals have part#s stamped in them. And any bearing supply house can cross them over and usually get you better quality bearings for less than the cheap ones a marina will try to sell you.

[Rich]

Repacked mine last year-not hard to do at all-took me about 2 hours and cost about $15. And that was having never done it before.

If it has sat that long it probably couldn't hurt to repack them.

[macgyver]

[quote author=Rebbasser link=board=Boats;num=1109336863;start=0#8 date=03/05/05 at 23:50:34]Repacked mine last year-not hard to do at all-took me about 2 hours and cost about $15. And that was having never done it before.

If it has sat that long it probably couldn't hurt to repack them.[/quote]


LOL you too huh

Lizards

[mikee051]

sure you can run them as long as you want, change them on the side of the road one time and youll grease and replace them often.
let me tell you a little about what happens when you lose a wheel.
1. you get to drag your trailer down the pavement.
2. you get to look around on the side of the road for your tire, which probably still has your much needed hub attached.
3. you either call someone or leave your trailer on the highway for theives and vandals.
4. go buy new bearings, races and seals. maybe a hub
5. put this assembly back together.
6. hours later, you are underway at last.

lets hope you checked that other side.

jack it up and spin it, if it sounds dry grease it, if it still sounds dry change it, if it wobbles tighten it. you can get a ton of life out of bearings by treating them right.