Trailer bearing info needed

[Cornbread9]

So I got my first boat. It seems to be in better shape than the trailer. While replacing the tires due to drywall rot, I noticed the hub has wiggle in it. I towed the boat from NC to VA (300+ miles) checking the bearings often. They were never hot. Cooler than the tires. Equal amount of wiggle on both sides and no grinding sound. It has bearing buddies. The trailer is simple; no brakes of any kind. Could the axle nut be too loose. The wheels are the kind without bearings in them. Any info on whats behind the bearing buddy before i start would be nice. How could a bearing be tight with the hub when you are supposed to back the axle nut off 1/4 turn/tighten by hand. I am used to tightening my car's axle nut down really tight. Thanks for your time.

Side note: Any ideas why i can't upload any attachments or profile picture?

 

[coolbri70]

Re: Trailer bearing info needed

there should be a nut and outer bearing on the end of a spindle, behind the bearing buddy, and a pin to keep the nut from backing off

 

[coolbri70]

Re: Trailer bearing info needed

about the pics I think some stuff you cant do until you make 2 more posts

 

[Cornbread9]

Re: Trailer bearing info needed

What about the hub wiggle? How could it be tight if the bearing isn't pressed and axle nut is supposed to be loose?

 

[coolbri70]

Re: Trailer bearing info needed

it needs to be a little loose or they will bind and fail prematurely. I make them tight then back off a little, spins free but doesn't rattle, jiggle. leave room for thermal expansion

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer bearing info needed

Your idea of "wiggle" needs to be clarified. .005 - .010 inch free play is desired for tapered roller bearings. That means with the wheel installed, you should just be able detect movement when you grasp the wheel at 3 & 9 o'clock and rock it (in with one hand and out with the other). If there is noticeable slop, then the nut is too loose. By the way, if you are tightening your car spindle nut really tight, you are either not tightening a spindle nut or you are referring to a front drive car. That system is totally different than your trailer.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Trailer bearing info needed

It should be like this.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Trailer bearing info needed

It should be like this.

View attachment 185956

MH - Should we trust some Aussie Ford site that uses technical terms like "retainer thingie" to describe a grease seal? LOL

Other than that, yep older cars and trailer bearing set up looks just like that.


To the OP, you should only back the nut off until you can fit the cotter key. Then check the play as Silvertip said.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Trailer bearing info needed

MH - Should we trust some Aussie Ford site that uses technical terms like "retainer thingie" to describe a grease seal? LOL

It's an old technical term.........:noidea:

Op, you need a little wiggle, otherwise you bearings will overheat and bearing failure will soon follow....

 

[Cornbread9]

Re: Trailer bearing info needed

Well I attempted to repack the bearings for peace of mind and almost didn't remove the inner bearing because the outer one looked so good. Good thing I did. The inner one is pretty pitted. Buddy bearing only protected the outer one i guess. They still rolled, but who knows for how long. Thanks for the advice. Oh and the bearings had 1/8" play (between inner and outer parts of bearing) in my hand cleaned. We'll see if the new ones have any play. Still can't upload image of bearings or anything. Really annoying

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer bearing info needed

They are tapered roller bearings and will be sloppy in your hand. When installed the taper removes the slop as the spindle nut is adjusted.