Wheel Bearings

[Digger]

This could be a tough one--I just bought a used <br />boat and trailer, the boat is OK but the trailer has been re-fitted with "Honda" spindles to utilize 12" wheels. <br /> When I checked the bearings for grease I noticed that there was a very slight bit of play, the bearing seats are not tapered and therefore cannot be tightend anymore.<br />I replaced one set of bearings on one side of the unit and they have the same amount of play.<br /> My question is, is this normal for "Honda" spindles, or are the king-pins worn.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Wheel Bearings

Don't Know What you Have,......<br /><br />But,.....<br />It Sure Doesn't Sound Right.........<br /><br />Never heard of a trailer spindle that didn't have Tapered Roller Bearings..........

 

[Laddies]

Re: Wheel Bearings

Are they hubs and brgs off a front wheel drive setup, with a bolt up flange to mount them

 

[Digger]

Re: Wheel Bearings

The spindles are from a '77 Honda Civic rear axle, with the backing plates machined flat to weld onto an axle, can't find a mechanic who can tell me about a vehicle that old.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Wheel Bearings

I had a 78 Honda Civic. There should be near zero play in those bearings. That would not be my first choice of spindles for putting brakes on a trailer. <br /><br />How about looking at a new axle and hub setup. Not too expensive, and a lot less worry and hasle than dealing with a jerry rigged trailer that hauls your precious.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Wheel Bearings

I think Mark nailed it get rid of the axles and hubs for something standard or see if you can buy just hubs and stubs to replace what is there

 

[Digger]

Re: Wheel Bearings

Thanx all--I think I'll follow Marks advice and look for a new axle

 

[Boatist]

Re: Wheel Bearings

I would question if auto brakes and ready for Salt Water. New hubs with the tapered bearings should have some play and only be tightened finger tight.<br /><br />Lots of kit and axel for any type you want here is one site with good information.<br /><br /> http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html#pre-loadbearings <br /><br /> http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html#techretro <br /><br /> http://www.championtrailers.com/

 

[gutshot grouper]

Re: Wheel Bearings

Unless your trailer has independent suspension , which is not probable, it has no kingpins, only spindles which are surely tapered , otherwisw there is no way to take out the slack, pull them apart and stop speculating.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Wheel Bearings

Replace the axle or replace the trailer. Also check to see what the PO might have done to the boat that's not quite right.

 

[BillP]

Re: Wheel Bearings

Depending on who is saying it, a "little play" can mean ok or not ok. Are you talking side to side play or spindle to bearing play? Side to side is usually taken up with a washer under the nut. Spindle to bearing play is done by using the correct size bearing. <br /><br />Take the trailer to a real trailer shop and have them check your bearing tolerances. A "real" shop will have loose bearings in different ID & OD combinations to match both spindle and hub size. It isn't always just a matter of fitting the spindle. They will measure spindle and hub, then pick a bearing that fits both.