Trailer Bearing Repair 101

CaneCutter79 · Dec 29, 2012

First, I found and read the sticky at the top of the forum:
http://forums.iboats.com/trailers-towing/re-wheel-bearing-sizes-294110.html

I have a 2-wheel boat trailer (1979) with the original axle and the seals on the hubs need to be replaced. The wheels are also making a rubbing noise that is comone with rusty bearings. I want to fully replace the bearings and wheel races but I do not know how to determine what size I have. I do not have brakes on the trailer, just a simple axle setup. I do know the wheel hubs are a 5-lug.

A) How do I acurately determine the size of my spindle? Tape measure or micrometer?
B) How do I acurately deterime what size bearings I need? Is 3/4" the thickness?
C) How do I determine the size of the races?
D) How do I determine the size of the seal?
E) Just how much grease are you supposed to pack/use with a bearing buddy? I've seen many threads where people use too much, how much it supposed to be?
F) Anyone know where I can buy a race tool as well?

I'm mechanically sound enough to repalce my bearings and races. I watched a few videos on Youtube and read some instructions on this and it looks really simple. I just need the correct parts for the job and a race tool as well as a bearing packer.

If anyone can give me some detailed instructions on how to determine what I have, I'm glad to get my hands "really greasy" and do this myself and save some serious cash vs. paying someone to do an easy job. All I need to know is what to order online.

minuteman62-64 · Dec 29, 2012

Re: Trailer Bearing Repair 101

If you bring the hold bearings and seals to a good trailer supply shop, they will be able to determine the correct size components and sell them to you.

Allbutwet · Dec 29, 2012

Re: Trailer Bearing Repair 101

CaneCutter79 Remove your bearings and clean them up. There is usally a part number on them. Normally the rule is not to beat steal to steal; but races are hardend. Get yourself a peice of round stock or even a long 1/2 inch bolt. Six to Twelve inches long to use as a drift, and drive the races out moving back and fourth to keep it coming out evenly. The seal should have a part number on it too. Napa auto parts or any other auto parts store should be able to cross the numbers and get them for you. They might even have them here at iboats. With a little patience you can drive the new races in the same way.

fat fanny · Dec 30, 2012

Re: Trailer Bearing Repair 101

Pull the hub and take it with you.

kfa4303 · Dec 30, 2012

Re: Trailer Bearing Repair 101

+1. I would take them with you just to be sure. Most hubs are generally 1"-1 1/2" and generally run about $20 a pair. There are several good vids on youtube that can walk you through the job. I recently changed mine for the first time and it wasn't too bad, just kinda messy thanks to all the new/old grease.

CaneCutter79 · Dec 30, 2012

Re: Trailer Bearing Repair 101

Thanks. I have watched several videos on Youtube and it looks like a piece of cake. My boat mechanic told me he would walk me through the steps FOC when I go pick it up! NICE! So now I will have someone with experience helping me. My main concern was how to determine the size/etc. If there are part numbers, that's even better. I can definately take the hub and the parts to a local parts supply store. Hopefully they will have a pair in stock as I will be 4hrs from home when changing.

Silvertip · Dec 30, 2012

Re: Trailer Bearing Repair 101

To determine bearing sizes you measure the spindle diameter. A straight spindle will have the same bearings front and rear. You measure the diameter of the spindle where the two bearings sit. Straight spindles are usually 1-inch diameter. Yes, you use a caliper or micrometer. Note that I said measure "diameter" -- not "circumference". Heavier duty axles, (3500# for example) have a "step" on the spindle where the rear bearing sits. The front bearing will be 1-inch and the rear will be 1-3/16. But as was mentioned, clean up the bearings and the numbers will be very evident. Any store that sells auto parts, farm stores, and sporting goods stores like Cabelas and Bass Pro have the bearings. When you are done with this project, make certain you understand how to adjust the bearing preload or you will be doing this job again.

Silvertip · Dec 31, 2012

Re: Trailer Bearing Repair 101

I must have had some bad beer -- straight spindles are available with 1 inch inner and outer bearings, but most boat trailers with straight spindles have 1-1/16 iinch innter and outer bearings. 3500# axles have 1-1/16 inch outer and 1-3/8 inner bearings.

w2much · Jan 1, 2013

Re: Trailer Bearing Repair 101

Better than no beer

dingbat · Jan 3, 2013