Trailer wheel bearing. How the HECK do I get this cotter pin out?

projo198

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jul 7, 2012
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316
It is recessed inside the wheel assembly about 2 inches. I don't know how I can reach it to get it out.

There isn't much space outside of the castle nut. if I pried it out I don't know how I would get one back in.

any ideas?

20130629_142519_zps708036f4.jpg
 

Mi duckdown

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Apr 14, 2007
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2,575
Re: Trailer wheel bearing. How the HECK do I get this cotter pin out?

Use a side cutter, straigten the end out as much as possible then grab the other end and pry it out. or use a small punch and pry it out.
although it looks well greased.
 

colbyt

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Re: Trailer wheel bearing. How the HECK do I get this cotter pin out?

Remove the bearing buddy wanna be and you will have a clear grasp of the situation.
 

Mi duckdown

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Re: Trailer wheel bearing. How the HECK do I get this cotter pin out?

Colbyt nice catch. didn't see that.
 

theBrownskull

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Re: Trailer wheel bearing. How the HECK do I get this cotter pin out?

The buddy bearing style hub needs to be removed. Use a rubber mallet and carefully knock off the buddy bearing. I take that the snap ring was removed from the buddy bearing and "guts" inside it came out as well. No big deal, just put it back together and re-install where it was.
 

projo198

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Re: Trailer wheel bearing. How the HECK do I get this cotter pin out?

I'm not really sure what you guys are referring to as the "buddy bearing". I'm assuming it is a tube extension that goes on the hub assembly and hold the spring and grease zert fittings in place? If so I didn't know it was removable, so I replaced the bearings with it in place. It was pretty difficult to get the cotter pins in and out but after some frustrations I was able to, although they got pretty tore up.
 

bruceb58

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Re: Trailer wheel bearing. How the HECK do I get this cotter pin out?

I would be pretty amazed if you were able to properly do everything with the bearing buddy body in place. How were you able to replace the races with the bearing buddy in place?
 

UncleWillie

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Re: Trailer wheel bearing. How the HECK do I get this cotter pin out?

The Bearing Buddy replaced the original dust cap.
It just Pries off and is Tapped back on with a soft mallet the same as any dust cap.
Adjusting the Castle Nut must have been a real exercise with the body of the BB still on. I'm impressed!
 

projo198

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Re: Trailer wheel bearing. How the HECK do I get this cotter pin out?

I was unable to replace the races, only the bearings.

guess I'll redo it tomorrow, now that I know it can be knocked off.
 

ajax5240

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Re: Trailer wheel bearing. How the HECK do I get this cotter pin out?

Yep, knock em off, sit back in awe of a the new found room you have around that nut to work.
 

colbyt

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Re: Trailer wheel bearing. How the HECK do I get this cotter pin out?

I was unable to replace the races, only the bearings.

guess I'll redo it tomorrow, now that I know it can be knocked off.

Not intending any insult here. You do know there are bearing on the back side of the hub also. To properly repack those you will need new grease seals and they generally can't be reused.

I do think a redo and a secure cotter pin would be in your best interest.
 

projo198

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Re: Trailer wheel bearing. How the HECK do I get this cotter pin out?

Not intending any insult here. You do know there are bearing on the back side of the hub also. To properly repack those you will need new grease seals and they generally can't be reused.

I do think a redo and a secure cotter pin would be in your best interest.
Yes I replaced both bearings, the seal was completely shot and needed replacing.
 

smokeonthewater

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Re: Trailer wheel bearing. How the HECK do I get this cotter pin out?

WOW I'm impressed..... that's like rebuilding an engine through the tail pipe... so you goofed on the bearing buddy... big deal... CONGRATS of getting the cotter pin out and in!!!!

You should be able to handle the redo with your eyes closed!
 

projo198

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Re: Trailer wheel bearing. How the HECK do I get this cotter pin out?

Well I got it all done. Amazing how faster that job is without the buddy in place lol..

Replaced both racers and was even able to re-use the new grease seal.
 

projo198

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Re: Trailer wheel bearing. How the HECK do I get this cotter pin out?

WOW I'm impressed..... that's like rebuilding an engine through the tail pipe... so you goofed on the bearing buddy... big deal... CONGRATS of getting the cotter pin out and in!!!!

You should be able to handle the redo with your eyes closed!
Ha ha thanks!
 
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