Wheel bearing assembly question

[slowwake]

Greetings, I bought a new boat and need some advice on the wheel bearing assembly. They do not have the plastic slip-on covers and have been in and out of the water for a few years now. I noticed that they are very dirty and need to be re-packed. (I'm also going to get new covers for them when the trailer is in the water). I saw that you can buy a whole new wheel bearing assembly at a local marina. Should I just repack the wheel bearings, or get a whole new one?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for any information.

 

[DJ]

Re: Wheel bearing assembly question

Slowake,<br /><br />Just repack them and save a bunch of $$$. You will need a tub of water resistant wheel bearing grease and two new seals.<br /><br />Inspect the bearing rollers for pitting. If they are smooth, they'll be fine.

 

[hltenterprises]

Re: Wheel bearing assembly question

If you do need new bearing take the old ones to your local auto parts store before going to the marinia may save you $$ if the have them or can get them. Will need the numbers on the bearing to cross referance.

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: Wheel bearing assembly question

One tip for when you are repacking the bearings. <br /><br />The void between the inside bearing and hub seal must have extra grease in ths space.<br /><br />The maintenance book did not explain why, but stated this was a step not to be skipped.<br /><br />My 1.5 cents worth.

 

[slowwake]

Re: Wheel bearing assembly question

Thanks to everyone who wrote in. I have never done wheel bearings before and was wondering what the procedure for it is.

 

[Down South]

Re: Wheel bearing assembly question

Hi slowwake,<br />If I understand your post correctly your trailer hubs don't have any dust covers on them. This means that you can see the nut that holds the hub onto the axle. <br /><br />If this is true then replace the bearings, Dust and and other foreign material have entered into the bearings and surely have caused some damage to them. Be sure to buy new seals too. <br /><br />A good investment instead of buying dust covers would be buy a set of bearing buddies. This will keep your trailer bearings under pressure preventing water entering the bearings when the trailer is in the water.<br /><br />Walmart also carries the bearing assemblies you mentioned at a better price.<br /><br />Good luck

 

[slowwake]

Re: Wheel bearing assembly question

Down South, Thanks for the info. I will replace the bearings and get a set of bearing buddies as well. Doesn't a new bearing assebly come with new seals? Or is that separate?<br /><br />Thanks again

 

[hltenterprises]

Re: Wheel bearing assembly question

you will need bearing and seals they are sold separate and each so you will need two of everything. As far as packing bearings you can do it one of two ways preassure requires a tool and grease gun or hand. The hand method is messy but easy to do. 1. CLEAN Hands and WORK AREA ( dirt loves grease 2. Put a gob of grease on one hand hold bearing by the edge in other hand big end towards grease. 3. With bearing at slight angle tap grease till you see grease come out of the small side of bearing rotate slightly and repeat untill bearing is completely filled. this is where the term packing a bearing copmes from.

 

[willi]

Re: Wheel bearing assembly question

If I understand a previous post you should fill the void area between the front and rear bearing with grease? I need to repack my bearings and want to make sure I do it properly.