tire & wheel bearing questions

[jasper60103]

Hi, guys.
I'm new to boating and have a new to me trailer.
I could really use some help.

I just got my boat from storage and need to get mytrailer road worthy.

Questions.

1) It has some sort of lube system on the wheel bearings, but I don't know what it is? See pics.

1a) Shouldn't it have a cover over the center?

1b) How do I go about removing them to service?

1c) Is the nipple in the center for filling?

1d) I once saw a video on how to clean and repack the bearings, but I can't
find it. Can someone send me the link?

2) Also, I picked up some tires over the winter off craigslist. They were a good deal, but they are bigger than whats on there now. I'm going from 4.80-12 to 5.30-12. Do you think this will be a problem? You can see in the pic its about 2-3" taller, but no problem fitting in the wheel well.

Appreciate your help and patience.

jasper

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: tire & wheel bearing questions

Hi, guys.
I'm new to boating and have a new to me trailer.
I could really use some help.

I just got my boat from storage and need to get mytrailer road worthy.

Questions.

1) It has some sort of lube system on the wheel bearings, but I don't know what it is? See pics.

Those are Bearing Buddy(s)...http://www.bearingbuddy.com/

1a) Shouldn't it have a cover over the center?

The covers are sold as an accessory.

1b) How do I go about removing them to service?

You 'knock' them off...just like the dust caps they replaced. This can be a challange...you have to work from both sides, until they release!

1c) Is the nipple in the center for filling?

Sure is! But most people overfill them, and end up with blown seals at the back of the hubs.

1d) I once saw a video on how to clean and repack the bearings, but I can't
find it. Can someone send me the link?

2) Also, I picked up some tires over the winter off craigslist. They were a good deal, but they are bigger than whats on there now. I'm going from 4.80-12 to 5.30-12. Do you think this will be a problem? You can see in the pic its about 2-3" taller, but no problem fitting in the wheel well.

If you have decent fender clearance, and the lug pattern matches...you are good!

Appreciate your help and patience.

jasper

Good luck!

 

[jasper60103]

Re: tire & wheel bearing questions

Rocky,
yep, the lugs match-up.
thanks a lot.

Btw, I found the link to the video in case someone else is interested.
I think it should be a sticky or go in the FAQs.

http://www.sailingtexas.com/Movies/TrailerBearings/trailerbearings.html

jasper

 

[5150abf]

Re: tire & wheel bearing questions

If you get the tire off the ground and spin it while tapping the edge of the bearing buddy they work right off.

Have a coupke rags handy as it is quite the mess, clean out all the grease and start over, that way you know exactly what and how much is in there.

I don't run covers on mine and have never had a problem, probably atracts more dirt though.

When greasing those the first time I found it helps to spin the tire while you pump the grease gun.

And last but far from least, I would geuss the #1 reason for bearing failure is over tightening the nut, tigh bearing are ruined almost immediately so be sure to leave just a tiny bit of play.

 

[jasper60103]

Re: tire & wheel bearing questions

5150abf,
thanks for the info.
It looks like I'll be busy this weekend!

jasper

 

[jasper60103]

Re: tire & wheel bearing questions

Ok, I'm about to start.

My plan is to clean out all the old grease, then clean bearings with brake cleaner and inspect. If they show any signs of wear I'll just buy a new set.

I have another question though.
Can I just repack completely with a grease gun through the bearing buddies?
Or do I hand pack first, then top off the bearing buddies with a gun?

jasper

 

[bhammer]

Re: tire & wheel bearing questions

Ok, I'm about to start.

My plan is to clean out all the old grease, then clean bearings with brake cleaner and inspect. If they show any signs of wear I'll just buy a new set.

I have another question though.
Can I just repack completely with a grease gun through the bearing buddies?
Or do I hand pack first, then top off the bearing buddies with a gun?

jasper

You need to hand pack the bearings and then fill the hub with grease before installing the hub and bearing buddy. Then a couple pumps of the grease gun will top of the BB. Just don't overdue it or you will damage the inboard grease seal. Just a couple pumps until you see the BB start to move out.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: tire & wheel bearing questions

Ok, I'm about to start.

My plan is to clean out all the old grease, then clean bearings with brake cleaner and inspect. If they show any signs of wear I'll just buy a new set.

I have another question though.
Can I just repack completely with a grease gun through the bearing buddies?
Or do I hand pack first, then top off the bearing buddies with a gun?

jasper

NO!

Bearing Buddy(s) were never intended to replace the routine packing of the bearings...they are meant to lengthen the interval between servicing. Use the Bearing Buddy link in my first post...and go to their Q&A section. All of your questions are answered right there...!

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: tire & wheel bearing questions

From the Bearing Buddy site:

3. With Bearing Buddy? installed, how often do I need to repack my bearings? We don't recommend inspecting your bearings more frequently than once every 5 years, provided you properly maintain the grease level in the hubs, and your bearings and seals are in new condition when you install genuine Bearing Buddy?. The Bearing Buddy? system maintains a constant pressure of 3 p.s.i. on the grease inside the hub. Since the hub is always full of grease (with proper maintenance) there is no need to repack your bearings. Some customers have reported that their Bearing Buddy? units were removed for the first time after 10 to 15 years of use, and the bearings still looked like new.

 

[jasper60103]

Re: tire & wheel bearing questions

Ok, guys.

The sales guy at FleetFarm gave me some wrong info.
I'll go back and get the hand grease tomorrow.

Anyway, I can clean and check my bearings tonight.
If they need replacing, I will only have to make one
trip back to the store.

Also, how do I check the seal or should I just replace it anyway?

Thanks for the quick replies. I'll keep you posted.

jasper

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: tire & wheel bearing questions

Ok, guys.

The sales guy at FleetFarm gave me some wrong info.
I'll go back and get the hand grease tomorrow.

Anyway, I can clean and check my bearings tonight.
If they need replacing, I will only have to make one
trip back to the store.

Also, how do I check the seal or should I just replace it anyway?

Thanks for the quick replies. I'll keep you posted.

jasper

I always start with new seals...most bearing 'kits' will include them. If you have a WalMart near by, they have complete rebuild kits, at a good price. They also have the Bearing Buddy 'bra' (rubber cover)...if you want them.

Good luck!

 

[jasper60103]

Re: tire & wheel bearing questions

Well, I cleaned-up one side.
Taking off the bearing buddies took some effort,
but I got the hang of it now. The other side should go quicker.

The was some grease behind the wheel and
axle. It looked to be old build-up of grease, but
I will change the seals just to be sure.
The wheel bearings look fine and there
was plenty grease in there. It looked grey in color though.
Not sure if that's water?

edit: yep, it is water. It should be black.

Another question.
I watched the video carefully. He
only packs the wheel bearings. I just want confirm
that you do not put grease inside
wheel hub cavity?

Thanks for your help.

 

[bhammer]

Re: tire & wheel bearing questions

Any rust on anything? How do you know it's supposed to be black/ I have several different colors in my garage. I think black and red but think maybe even grey. Wouldn't worry about it unless you see rust. If you do, then clean it up or replace the parts that are rusted.

Yes, you need to pack the bearing and the hub. I start by placing grease inside the hub, then slide the bearing in and then more grease. Then slide the hub on the spindle and pack as much grease in as I can get. Tighten it down to specs and rekey the nut. Install the BB and then pump a little grease, just to get the spring to pop out a little bit.

 

[jasper60103]

Re: tire & wheel bearing questions

bhammer,
I gave everything a good cleaning with break cleaner.
The bearings, races and bearing buddies look good, no wear or rust.
I read on another thread about grease being grayish color indicates
water contamination. Anyway, I'm going to get the new
seals and marine grease to finish the job.
Thanks for the tip.

jasper

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: tire & wheel bearing questions

If the grease goes in black and comes out grey than water is a problem. I just repacked mine with wateproof marine grease that was grey to start with.

 

[jasper60103]

Re: tire & wheel bearing questions

I don't know what color went in, as it's a new to me boat.
Anyway, I plan to add checking the bearings to my annual list of things to do.
I have mixed feelings about the buddies and plan to replace them
with dust covers. The buddies are such a pain to remove.

 

[kamby]

Re: tire & wheel bearing questions

Your on the right track, if you want another set of videos to watch check these out, http://www.etrailer.com/tv-repack_trailer_hub_bearings.aspx

good luck

jason

 

[jasper60103]

Re: tire & wheel bearing questions

Thanks, Jason.

Yea, I came across this video when
I was at a loss on how to seat new races,
and this video clearly demonstrates it.
Very helpful and bookmarked for future reference.

Also, I learned a lot from members on this site.
Thanks everyone for helping a newbie out.
I plan to inspect/pack my bearings every year.
Its not a bad job for my little single axle trailer.

jasper