reelfishin
Captain
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2007
- Messages
- 3,047
Re: Is it OK to use bearing packer to avoid using solvent to clean bearings?
I've been repacking bearings for years, I've never had to re-replace a set of bearings that I have already done. I normally give a trailer a good going over and fresh bearings and races when I get it, after that they get serviced according to use. If it's in the water weekly, it gets checked and repacked more often, maybe even a few times a year. It depends where and how long it's been in the water.
If it's only been used on the road, then I don't worry as much. Some of my road only trailers only need to be greased every few years.
I pulled the hubs on my one trailer, which I built back in 1987, it was due for tires due to dry rot so I figured I'd replace the bearings and seals as well, but the bearings were fine. I cleaned and re-greased them and put it back together. This time it did get synthetic grease.
I think the worst thing for the bearings is to let them sit with water. Most damage seems to be from rust or pitting, then consequent use damages them even farther. Once the cup or rollers are pitted, the bearing is shot. Both surfaces must be perfectly smooth and round for the bearing to survive. A bearing also should not have any play in it, if there's movement, then you will eventually see impact damage to the races. A bearing works best with a slight preload. I normally tighten the nut to the point where it stops and seats the bearing, then back it off and re-tighten to about 20 to 25 ft-lbs.
I've had trailer spindle and hub combinations that just won't allow you to get any preload on the bearing, I usually try a new nut or washer to get the adjustment I want.
You also need to make sure that the race fits snug in the hub, I've seen several that were replaced so many times that they were loose, as well as a few import bearings that just weren't sized correctly.
I've been repacking bearings for years, I've never had to re-replace a set of bearings that I have already done. I normally give a trailer a good going over and fresh bearings and races when I get it, after that they get serviced according to use. If it's in the water weekly, it gets checked and repacked more often, maybe even a few times a year. It depends where and how long it's been in the water.
If it's only been used on the road, then I don't worry as much. Some of my road only trailers only need to be greased every few years.
I pulled the hubs on my one trailer, which I built back in 1987, it was due for tires due to dry rot so I figured I'd replace the bearings and seals as well, but the bearings were fine. I cleaned and re-greased them and put it back together. This time it did get synthetic grease.
I think the worst thing for the bearings is to let them sit with water. Most damage seems to be from rust or pitting, then consequent use damages them even farther. Once the cup or rollers are pitted, the bearing is shot. Both surfaces must be perfectly smooth and round for the bearing to survive. A bearing also should not have any play in it, if there's movement, then you will eventually see impact damage to the races. A bearing works best with a slight preload. I normally tighten the nut to the point where it stops and seats the bearing, then back it off and re-tighten to about 20 to 25 ft-lbs.
I've had trailer spindle and hub combinations that just won't allow you to get any preload on the bearing, I usually try a new nut or washer to get the adjustment I want.
You also need to make sure that the race fits snug in the hub, I've seen several that were replaced so many times that they were loose, as well as a few import bearings that just weren't sized correctly.
