How many bearing sets per axel?? Which end in??

Joined
Jul 6, 2006
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Repacking bearing on light duty 1964 Murray...1000 lbs with boat/motor/trailer. Took out bearing...only 1 per side... Looking at new bearing sets/kits....even though I probably do not need to replace mine, they look and operate well... all the kits seem to have the seal, cotter pin, cap and 2 bearing/roller, where as mine only had 1 per axel... Q.? Should there be two?? Need to know nefore I re-assemble. I am thinking because of the light weight duty I am only to have one?? Final, embarrassing q? Mine are conical, and as I saw them come out the narrower end goes towards the inner part of the axel...correct? Just making sure because these old eyes sometimes deceive. Thx

Sam
 

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
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Mar 5, 2006
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30,548
Re: How many bearing sets per axel?? Which end in??

An axle has 2 spindles. Each spindle always have 2 sets of bearings/races. They are also called cups and cones where the cup is the race.

One bearing probably practically fell out when you took off the nut. That is the outer bearing. The inner bearing sits behind the grease seal.

You may want to have someone show you how to do this since it is your first time.

Do you really know how to inspect a bearing and race to determine if they are ok?

Do you also understand what it means to "pack" a bearing(What Silvertip described)?

wheel_bearing.gif


1-Grease Seal
2-Inner Bearing
3-Inner Cup
4-Hub/Drum
5-Outer Cup
6-Outer Bearing
7-Spindle Washer
8-Tang Washer
9-Spindle Nut
10-Grease Cap
 

Dunaruna

Admiral
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May 2, 2003
Messages
6,027
Re: How many bearing sets per axel?? Which end in??

[colour=blue]
bruceb58 said:
Each spindle always have 2 sets of bearings/races. They are also called cups and cones where the cup is the race.

Not 100% correct. It is possible that the bearings are 'unitised'. An 'all in one' type of setup.

Need to see a picture................
 
Joined
Jul 6, 2006
Messages
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Re: How many bearing sets per axel?? Which end in??

There you go. I will post one asap. The verbal descirption is basicall the cover-->cotter pin-->retaining nut--->bearing-->grease--->seal---->axel....

The trailer rolled fine, no heat problem, just figured i'd check the bearings since i just bough the boat in july. And yes I do know how to inspect bearing for wear and play...they look and feel fine...just different from my cars.

thx

Sam
 

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
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Mar 5, 2006
Messages
30,548
Re: How many bearing sets per axel?? Which end in??

Should be the same as the front wheel bearings on a rear wheel drive car or vice versa.

Dunarama,
I have never seen a "'unitised' bearing before on a trailer. Have a picture of one?
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
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Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: How many bearing sets per axel?? Which end in??

These were common on older trailers in the US. I have a hunch the wheel and hub assembly is one-piece on this trailer and uses a single bearing. There were some real odd-ball set-ups years ago. Finding a bearing set for that wheel may be a problem. If you do any high speed freeway towing, you would be wise in installing a replacement axle with separate wheels and hubs (if you do indeed have a one piece wheel/hub setup).
 
Joined
Jul 6, 2006
Messages
60
Re: How many bearing sets per axel?? Which end in??

Absolutely correct guys, just like a car. There are (for two wheels that is) 4 races, 4 bearing sets, and two seals. I guess the 42 years of accumulated dirts and such made the rear portion of the hub look like one solid piece. After soaking everything looked normal and the job is done...even installed a set of bearing buddies...much thx to all...sorry for the ensuing discussion...I am a newbie afterall.

Sam
 
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