Bearing Question

Joined
Mar 8, 2005
Messages
29
My 02 model boat trailer has grease fittings at the spindle like a lot of others mention. My question is, do I still have to dissasemble the mechanisms and hand pack the bearings occasionally, or just grease the fittings? In the past, when I've greased the fittings, It makes a mess on the inside of the wheel from too much grease I guess. Thanks
 

Dunaruna

Admiral
Joined
May 2, 2003
Messages
6,027
Re: Bearing Question

An external zirk is convenient for a pump or two every now and again but overgreasing will blow out the rear seal, next time you dunk the trailer water will get in. Bearings should be removed, cleaned and regreased (replaced if needed) and retensioned as part of a regular maintenance schedule. Sometimes, overgreasing will mask an adjustment problem.<br /><br />Grease on the inside of the wheel is a red flag, if grease is getting out, water will get in.<br /><br />Aldo
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Bearing Question

You have obviously overdone it with the grease gun. Your trailer apparently has what are commonly called "Bearing Buddies". You will notice that there is a large spring between the plate the holds the grease zerk and the outer end of the Bearing Buddy. You should pump grease in until that plate just moves. Any more than that and you will blow the rear bearing seal. Those seals are inexpensive, easily replaced and I suggest you do so.
 

rwidman

Lieutenant
Joined
May 27, 2004
Messages
1,396
Re: Bearing Question

On mine (spindle lube), excess grease comes out the front (through the bearing and around the spindle). There is no way to blow out the seal, you can't pressurize it. Pumping new grease in purges the old grease and there is no need to dissasemble the bearings for repacking.<br /><br />Now if you in fact have "Bearing Buddies" rather than grease fittings on the end of the spindles, then yes, you can and probably have blown out the seals. And you do need to grease the bearings manually.
 

kesso

Seaman
Joined
Oct 3, 2004
Messages
58
Re: Bearing Question

Dont forget to put some silicon on the inside edge of the seal.
 

NYMINUTE

Captain
Joined
Oct 6, 2003
Messages
3,298
Re: Bearing Question

Just did mine, and I have the zerk on the spindle. Changed the grease to a Teflon grease from Mercury. It does have a real different feel. Heard a lot of good things about it. I have blown a seal from overgreasing. I am alot more cautious now.
 

rwidman

Lieutenant
Joined
May 27, 2004
Messages
1,396
Re: Bearing Question

Here is a diagram of the "spindle-lube" spindle (axle). Follow the arrows, this is where the grease flows. There is a hole drilled through the center of the spindle and another (intersecting) hole cross drilled just behind the back side of the rear bearing. Grease flows through the center of the spindle and to the back of the rear bearing through the cross drilled hole. It can't exit the rear because of the seal so it flows through the bearings and out the front. The front is open so there is no pressure. You cannot blow a seal with this system by over greasing. <br /><br />For kicks, remove the wheel, hub, and bearings. Clean the spindle, then pump grease through the fitting. You will see how this works.<br /><br />
cuthub.gif
<br /><br />If your grease fitting is on the hub cover, not on the spindle itself, then you do have bearing buddies or one of the competitors and you can "blow a seal" by overgreasing. It's important to know what you have so you'll know how to use and maintain it.
 

TilliamWe

Banned
Joined
Dec 21, 2004
Messages
6,579
Re: Bearing Question

Originally posted by kesso:<br /> Dont forget to put some silicon on the inside edge of the seal.
Why would you want to put sand on your seal? :D <br /><br />Sorry, just had to do that. I know you meant silicone!
 

all thumbs

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 22, 2005
Messages
438
Re: Bearing Question

rwidman, I have the same type [spindle-lube] as you . Just wondering how often you break it down to inspect? By miles or months?
 

rwidman

Lieutenant
Joined
May 27, 2004
Messages
1,396
Re: Bearing Question

Originally posted by all thumbs:<br /> rwidman, I have the same type [spindle-lube] as you . Just wondering how often you break it down to inspect? By miles or months?
I don't have a schedule, I had to replace the brakes near the end of last season and this required removing the bearings. I think jacking the wheel up and checking for side play, smoothness of rotation, and strange noises should suffice. And of course, pushing all the old grease out every year or so. It may be a good idea to jack it up and rotate the wheels while purging the grease.<br /><br /><br />If you've never disassembled these, you should know that there's a special tab washer used to retain the spindle nut, not a cotter pin. Be sure you have these before you start and carry spares. They're harder to find than cotter pins and can only be used once.<br /><br /><br />I also monitor my bearings and hubs with a non-contact infared thermometer. I usually measure the temperature at the end of each trip. Anything unusual will indicate a problem that needs to be investigated.
 
Joined
Mar 8, 2005
Messages
29
Re: Bearing Question

Not sure exactly what I have. I'll probably tear it down and inspect it anyway before I put it into service this year. Will I need any special tools to remove these?
 

beezee28

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 3, 2004
Messages
804
Re: Bearing Question

I bought a pair of bearing buddies and on it it has a small hole. When the bearing buddies are filled full the spring will compress allow for grease to fill the wheel hub. When over fill with grease the extra grease will come out of this hole and this will save on blowing out the gasket. Sort of a pressure release hole. Also this small hole lets the air out as you pump in grease.
 

Yepblaze

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 1, 2001
Messages
1,686
Re: Bearing Question

I'll assume he's referring to the spindle zerk type and not bearing buddies, I'd say:<br /><br />Jack up one wheel at a time and spin it.<br /><br />If it spins freely, and you can rock the wheel a slight amount 1/8"-1/4",<br /><br />One or two pumps (from grease gun filled with boat trailer wheel bearing grease) per trip should be fine.<br /><br />If either wheel growls while spinning or appears loose, or tight, delve into it and find out why.
 

rwidman

Lieutenant
Joined
May 27, 2004
Messages
1,396
Re: Bearing Question

BTW: "Bearing Buddies" is a trade name of a bearing lubrication system. There are several other manufacturers of simmilar but not identical systems. This could lead to confusion when asking or answering questions.
 

demsvmejm

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
831
Re: Bearing Question

Originally posted by 02baylinercapri-NM:<br /> My 02 model boat trailer has grease fittings at the spindle like a lot of others mention. My question is, do I still have to dissasemble the mechanisms and hand pack the bearings occasionally, or just grease the fittings? In the past, when I've greased the fittings, It makes a mess on the inside of the wheel from too much grease I guess. Thanks
You have gotten a lot of good information and advice from these fine iboaters. But to add my two-cents, if grease is getting on the inside of your rim, the axle seal is faulty. It would be advisable to tear down, clean and inspect your bearings. It's a lot of work but that way you know what you've got and won't have any surprises along side the road. Not all grease is compatible with other grease either. So cleaning all the old out and starting with quality marine grade grease is only good insurance. And when you pump the grease in through the spindle, pump the grease gun slowly. That way you don't over-pressurize the seal before the grease can flow through the bearings and out the front. Wish I had spindles like that. :)
 

rwidman

Lieutenant
Joined
May 27, 2004
Messages
1,396
Re: Bearing Question

And when you pump the grease in through the spindle, pump the grease gun slowly. That way you don't over-pressurize the seal before the grease can flow through the bearings and out the front.
Good point. I believe the instructions caution against using a power grease gun.
 
Top