odd sized hub?

[Kalian]

Hey folks, I have a 1990 escort trailer that came with the boat I bought a few months ago. One hub is smaller than the other. I noticed the hub cover or bearing protector or whatever it's called was missing so I tried to replace it. It seems the 1.98 is too big, and the 1.781 is too small. So what do I do? I have no idea what system is in the odd-sized hub. The other side has a bearing buddy. I had a hard time finding the 1.781, I can imagine whatever size this is will be extremely hard to find. I would like to replace it with a common size but I have no idea how to determine what is compatible with my trailer or how to get the bearings out and instal the new system. I've never done any kind of work with bearings so be very specific! <br />Thanks in advance!

 

[EZLoader]

Re: odd sized hub?

Bearing Buddies sizing chart:<br /><br /> http://www.bearingbuddy.com/select.html <br /><br />These three models are sizes are in between the two sizes you mentioned:<br /><br />1810 1.81 inches <br />1938 1.938 inches <br />1968 1.968 inches <br /><br />Will any of them work?

 

[Kalian]

Re: odd sized hub?

Thanks EZLoader!<br /> I don't have calipers so I'll try to get one of those sizing cards mentioned in the link.

 

[BillP]

Re: odd sized hub?

Find a "real" trailer shop. They will have loose bearings that can be matched to any hub and spindle combo. Take the hub or bearings with you so they can measure...don't guess at it.

 

[rwidman]

Re: odd sized hub?

Originally posted by BillP:<br /> Find a "real" trailer shop. They will have loose bearings that can be matched to any hub and spindle combo. Take the hub or bearings with you so they can measure...don't guess at it.

Better yet, they can repair the trailer so both hubs are the same (correct) size. Someone may have done some real shoddy work on this trailer before you bought it.

 

[Kalian]

Re: odd sized hub?

The only problem with that is, I can't find a real trailer shop! I live in a small town (Chico) in northern Ca and I have a hard time getting parts. There is a tire company out here who told me to bring the trailer in and they'd fix it, but I don't want to do that. I want to fix it myself. <br /> <br /> Also, the rear seal is shot, (leaking grease) so now I have to deal with that too. I can't seem to get the bearing buddy out of the hub to get to the bearings and seal. I'm wondering now if the previous owner pounded the wrong size bearing buddy into the hub. That would explain the different sizes.

 

[Kalian]

Re: odd sized hub?

Well, I got it all worked out finaly. The odd sized one is not a bearing buddy but some clone. I simply replaced it with a real bearing buddy, and it fits good. <br /><br /> I took out the bearings and replaced the rear seal, but I don't think I got it in quite right. Is there a tried and true method for installing the rear seal? And how far in is the seal supposed to go? Whats a good way to fill the reservoir with grease? I just assembled everything on the axle, then added the bearing buddy and then used a manual grease gun on the grease fitting. I haven't got to the point where the piston moves yet, so I'm going to continue filling it.<br /><br /> I didn't try packing it by hand because of the grease I bought for the grease gun. It's a small grease gun, so getting the grease out of the small grease cartridges to pack it by hand would be quite tough! (I bought the grease gun and grease cartridges before I knew I would be repacking bearings.)<br /><br /> Well, it's been an experience! At least I know now what not to do the next time around!

 

[EZLoader]

Re: odd sized hub?

Read these as well:<br /><br /> http://www.bearingbuddy.com/spindle_seal.html <br /><br /> http://www.bearingbuddy.com/installation.html <br /><br />This gentleman wrote a thesis on the subject:<br /> http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:...gs.htm++"packing+bearings"++"rear+seal"&hl=en

 

[Kalian]

Re: odd sized hub?

Thanks EZ, that thesis was long but informative. I guess I have to redo the rear seal, but no biggie. I bought several of them.

 

[BillP]

Re: odd sized hub?

Buy a tub of grease at Walmart for $3 and it will fill both hubs. Pack them full, slide on the spindles and wipe away the excess grease. Tighten the hub nut to where the bearing starts dragging and tighten 1/4-1/2 turn just to seat the bearings...then loosen the nut and adjust for normal running. Install the BBs and pump lightly until the spring is almost compressed. Tow the trailer around a few miles to let the BBs work the grease in and carefully add grease as required. Check the nut tightness a few times during the first runs. For the first few launchings check the BBs at the ramp before you dunk.

 

[Kalian]

Re: odd sized hub?

Thanks BillP. Thats what I'll do.

 

[rwidman]

Re: odd sized hub?

Originally posted by BillP:<br /> Buy a tub of grease at Walmart for $3 and it will fill both hubs. Pack them full, slide on the spindles and wipe away the excess grease. Tighten the hub nut to where the bearing starts dragging and tighten 1/4-1/2 turn just to seat the bearings...then loosen the nut and adjust for normal running. Install the BBs and pump lightly until the spring is almost compressed. Tow the trailer around a few miles to let the BBs work the grease in and carefully add grease as required. Check the nut tightness a few times during the first runs. For the first few launchings check the BBs at the ramp before you dunk.

Yep, that's how you do it. You have to pre-pack the bearings with grease before you install them, you can't pack them afterwards by pumping grease through a bearing protector.