Tapered Axle Wheel bearing

[SteveRay]

I have a 1991 Shoreland'r supporting an 18 Sea ray that I will be taking on a 2 and a half hour trip.<br />I was thinking that I should repack the bearings before the trip. I am somewhat familiar with the process but would like to gather a s much info as possible before starting. These bearings/races shouldn't be pressed in with a tapered axle right?<br />Is repacking enough? Should they be replaced? I was planning on getting a new set of bearing buddies as one was missing when I got the boat.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Tapered Axle Wheel bearing

Races are pressed into the front and back of the hub. The bearing itself is a slip fit on the spindle. When you clean everything up, inspect the bearing races for any pitting, blueish discoloration that indicates heating, or signs of gauling. Also rotate the bearings while inspecting the individual roller for cracks, pitting, and gauling. Replace bearings as a set (outer race and bearing). Install new rear seals. Races can be driven out with a drift punch but you must use a bearing (race) driver for proper insertion.

 

[SteveRay]

Re: Tapered Axle Wheel bearing

Is replacement always neccessary? I was hoping since there are no immediate indications of wear that if upon a visual inspection I can repack them and continue to use them? Is it a must to replace the races when you replace the bearings?

 

[tommays]

Re: Tapered Axle Wheel bearing

http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=22;t=001628#000000 <br /><br />take a look at these you will never see the problem with out a teardown and inspection <br /><br />the pits can be very small and still make a lot of heat at speed<br /><br />and if there was a buddy missing what kept the water out<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Tapered Axle Wheel bearing

If the bearings are fine, certainly they can be repacked and used. Make sure you are repacking them and not just smearing grease on them. If a bearing or race is bad, yes, replace them as a set -- damage on one part causes like damage on the other.