bearing question

[JAL51974]

I was lucky today. after pulling the trailer into the driveway I noticed that the dust cover on the spindle had popped off and the bearing had moved somehow forward towards the nut. The grease looks rusty colored, but a lot of grease is in there. I inspected it and added some grease last month. I planned to pull the bearings and inspect/replace at the end of this season anyway.<br /><br />Any idea how this happened? When I left the marina I always check the tires, etc. and nothing looked out of place. How could that cover pop off and the bearings move? What other damage could it cause to the spindle, etc? I am sure it happened right in the driveway backing up. Nothing on the hub, etc was hot to the touch.<br /><br />Thanks.<br /><br />joe

 

[Silvertip]

Re: bearing question

I'm a little confused by your statement that the "bearing moved toward the nut". The spindle nut is supposed to be against the washer which is against the bearing. If there had been a gap between the nut and the bearing at one time, the nut had apparently never been adjusted correctly. Was the cotter pin in place?

 

[JAL51974]

Re: bearing question

I ran out of time and daylight to investigate it tonite. I will look at it tomorrow and let you know.

 

[brine]

Re: bearing question

usually if the spindle has appeared to move out enough to knock off the cap, you have lost the inner bearing. If this is your situation, you are one lucky Capri!!! I love it when stuff breaks near my tools!! Pull her apart and look. Greasy bearings fail too.

 

[EZLoader]

Re: bearing question

Joe,<br /><br />Everything you need to know about trailer bearings:<br /><br /> http://www.pugetsoundanglers.org/Fishing Info/Boat Trailer_brakes.htm <br /><br />Good luck!

 

[JAL51974]

Re: bearing question

So far inspecting the bearing-<br />cotter pin was in place and the nut was loose in front of the washer so it must not have been adjusted correctly.<br />bearing looks like it will need replaced though its got grease.<br />no obvious spindle damage.<br />But even with the nut snugged down to the washer, there is still a lot of play when I move the wheel back and forth, doesn't seem right to me. any ideas?<br />Joe

 

[JAL51974]

Re: bearing question

pulled the whole hub assembly off and the front bearing was damaged and the rear bearing was broken off inside the hub with pieces loose in the grease- accounts for the excessive play in the wheel! thank God it happened in the driveway.<br /><br />replacing the bearings isn't bad but...<br />the spindle looks scored in spots-<br />is there a way to machine this off or what?

 

[EZLoader]

Re: bearing question

Glad you found the problem!<br /><br />I'm not a boat trailer wheel bearing expert but the author of this link is. You should read his well written article on servicing wheel bearings before completing your bearing replacement work. If you have any questions he has provided an email address to contact him. Good luck!<br /><br /> http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cach...boat+trailer"++"wheel+bearing"++"loose"&hl=en

 

[JAL51974]

Re: bearing question

thanks Ez-<br />that was a good article.<br /><br />I think I read somewhere here about sleeves that fit over the spindle by the company that makes Bearing Buddies? Does anyone know if that would help my problem with the scoring on the spindle?<br /><br />Joe

 

[EZLoader]

Re: bearing question

How bad is the scoring?

 

[brine]

Re: bearing question

Sleeves are made for the area where the grease seal seats on the spindle. I know they are available from Chicago Rawhide (the makers of alot of the seals). They come with a tool for installation but they are delicate. I have crunched a few (on industrial applications, and not on my own nickel).Iwould be more carefull on my trailer. Use a loctite retaining compound when installing.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: bearing question

Speedi-sleeve, any bearing supplier should carry them.

 

[JAL51974]

Re: bearing question

Here is a picture. A friend told me to use emory cloth and get it smooth- he has done that to camper trailer spindles in the past. PhotoBucket PhotoBucket <br /><br />Joe

 

[JAL51974]

Re: bearing question

photobucket photobucket <br /><br />a friend told me to use emory cloth to get it as smooth as I can and then install the new bearings. <br /><br />Joe

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: bearing question

Pit marks in the centre of the spindle isn't a problem, the inner bearing doesn't sit there.<br /><br />Where the outer bearing sits does not look bad. Can't see the inner seat properly.<br /><br />Be careful if you use emery cloth, the bearings slide onto the spindle with a light interference fit, this stops the inner race from spinning.

 

[brine]

Re: bearing question

spindle looks pretty good for a crappy rear bearing. you got really lucky. seen them so bad you couldnt find anything or any grease!!

 

[Bondo]

Re: bearing question

I've seen Alot Worse,.......<br /><br />Extra Fine Emmery will clean that up nicely,.......<br /><br />Just Smooth where the Bearings,+ Seal will be riding,+ Don't Worry about the tapered portion of it.........<br /><br />Like Dunaruna says,..... Just Smooth them,.... You Don't need to see Shiny Metal,..... Just Smooth,+ True........

 

[JAL51974]

Re: bearing question

thanks guys.<br /><br />You have been a tremendous help all summer to me getting this boat in shape. I still have a lot to do on it this winter, but I am enjoying the work and the fun on the water. But after a few surprises like this one, I am assuming previous owner didn't do anything for maintenance, so my work is ahead of me. <br /><br />too bad our boating season here in Ohio is nearing an end.<br /><br />Joe

 

[JAL51974]

Re: bearing question

Here's the rest of the story-<br />could not identify any markings on either bearings or races and the inner bearing was destroyed in any case. After several unsuccessful attempts locally to match up a set, I called the Shorelander company and even without the serial no. ( unreadable)the guy was able to identify the trailer and gave me part numbers! Championtrailers had the kits and I should get them by this weekend to make the repairs.<br /><br />maybe one more fishing trip but just in time to winterize the boat anyway!<br /><br />Joe

 

[JAL51974]

Re: bearing question

more questions on bearing maintenance:<br /><br />the grease seal fit into the hub by pushing it in with heel of my hand- is that sealed tight enough? <br /><br />without bearing buddies, how much grease is enough, is it a coating on the axle or fill up the space? bearings are packed and look good to go.<br /><br />Thanks.