Trailer Bearings

[Olde Merc]

I have an older Shore Lander boat tailer for a 14-16' boat. Are the wheel bearings on these trailers sealed? I have to take the trailer on a trip and I don't need any wheel bearing problems. Thanks for the help.

 

[JB]

Re: Trailer Bearings

Almost certainly not, Olde Merc.<br /><br />You should clean and pack them beforre your trip, and put a set of "Bearing Buddies" on, too.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Olde Merc]

Re: Trailer Bearings

Okay, a few questions then. <br /><br />Wouldn't water get into the bearings when the trailer is in the water? And what are Bearing Buddies? <br /><br />Also, are trailer bearings on boat trailers simlar to that on cars? I haven't done a boat trailer before, but I have done car bearings many times.

 

[JB]

Re: Trailer Bearings

Howdy, Olde.<br /><br />The "Bearing Buddy" replaces the cap and maintains the grease in the bearings under a small amount of pressure with a spring. This prevents water intrusion.<br /><br />Most trailers use Timken rollers, like most cars. They are treated and packed in the same manner.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Trailer Bearings

To expand on JB's remarks. Yes water will intrude into the wheel bearings while under water however, take these points to think about.<br /><br />Gease and water do not mix so properly greased bearings will not contact the water but in fact the water will (should) only contact the grease.<br /><br />When you back a trailer into the water it is only for a short time and distance. Basically you are not running the bearings at full speed while in the water.<br /><br />Get the bearing buddies as JB suggested (available at most parts stores and even walmart) and purchase a small grease gun with marine grease. Give the bearings a shot of grease whenever it's needed.<br /><br />Bob

 

[PDS]

Re: Trailer Bearings

I agree with all the usefull tips that everyone supplied, but would also like to give my 2cents. I bought a used boat on a used trailer from good people that I assumed did regular maintance on it. It had bearing buddies on it and I kept the grease filled up. A couple of years ago(I bought it ten years ago)I was doing a short tow,75 miles, and stopped to check out the trailer. One side was maybe 115 degrees, the other side, I could only hold on to for about 2 seconds, tops. I took trailer with boat home and pulled tires off and found that both axles bearings were worn, needing replacement. Nice thing is it is easy to replace both the bearings and their races with minumum tools and force. Not too expensive, either. When in doubt check it out. Now I can take my trailer for long runs with confidence, knowing it will not fail me.I still use bearing buddies, and I still stop from time to time and check temps (old habit) but I know I will not fry a bearing(worst case problem:bearing fries, trailer takes control of you and decides where you will park it, no good)Good luck. PDS