type of wheel bearings and how to grease them

Ronnx28

Recruit
Joined
Mar 18, 2011
Messages
4
Purchased a 2004 stratos 180fs boat last year and the previous owner never greased the wheels for some reason. Iam new to owning a boat and the boat manual did not come with it. All I know is that if you take the cover over the hub it says trailer buddy. Can someone give some advice?
 

dockwrecker

Lieutenant
Joined
Mar 10, 2006
Messages
1,392
Re: type of wheel bearings and how to grease them

That's the grease cap similar to a Bearing Buddy. Doesn't mean anything about the bearings inside. Pull it apart and measure them is the best way. Bearings are available anywhere, best to have them in hand and match them up. Be sure to replace the rear seal while you're in there. Messy, but easily done.
 

wifisher

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 9, 2011
Messages
578
Re: type of wheel bearings and how to grease them

If they are spinning freely and not overheating, the bearings are probably OK. Pull them out, check for any signs of overheating, pitting, other damage. Clean off all of the old grease, replace seals, repack and reinstall.

If you have never packed a bearing here is a video. Not repacking the bearing can cause failure as it is running dry until it heats up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agxjGtmHV_4
 

Prophammer

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 2, 2010
Messages
466
Re: type of wheel bearings and how to grease them

If you haven't had time to dissassemble, clean, check, repack, reassemble your bearings, dog gone it! And want to use the trailer right now. Try this, pull over after some time on the road and feel each hub, they should all feel the same temperature, round abouts. If one is hotter than the rest you may have a problem.
 
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