wheel bearrings-how to replace?

[wajajaja]

I'm a newbe, whats involved mechanicaly with changeing the wheel bearings. looking at several internet sources suggest that i might wanna buy preassembled hubs/ and spindles. <br /> what does it take to change a spindle on a trailer. <br /><br />thanks walter.

 

[lilthundr]

Re: wheel bearrings-how to replace?

If you have not done that sort of thing before,it may be best to buy the whole assembly. Easier to install and since all the parts are now new, you will not have to worry about it for some time.<br />This would also be the best time to add a pair of bearing buddies to make sure the bearings never get dried out. Check the buddies once in a while and refill them with grease if needed<br />Good Luck

 

[djvan]

Re: wheel bearrings-how to replace?

Spindles aren't something you want to tackle, unless you can weld as most are welded on. I don't know if hub kits come ready to install or not. By this I mean I don't know if the bearings are packed with grease. It wouldn't hurt to check. Bearing buddys for sure on a boat trailer.<br /><br />DougV>

 

[Seaboo2]

Re: wheel bearrings-how to replace?

Changing bearings is an easy task (I think, but I am a professional mechanic, so my view may be tainted). If you havent froze a bearing (had it lock up) I see NO reason to replace the spindle. It may be a good idea to have one in the tool box for long road trips (they are impossiable to find at 3 am in a small town when you have a wheel bearing weld itself to the spindle, because a buddy never checks them ...LONG STORY....)<br /><br />quick condensed directions:<br /> I would jack up the trailer. Remove the hub assy. (if you take out the front bearing and washer, screw the nut on, and pull out and downward on the hub you will remove the back bearing and seal....less work (IMHO) then prying out the seal to get it off). You can replace just the bearings (not the inner part) provided you haven't had any problems. Pack the new bearings with gease (have someone show you...there is a little trick). Install the bearings with a NEW rear seal. set your preload on the nut (I tighten it tight, spin the wheel, then loosen it till the wheel spins freely, but not wobbly... There are 15,000 ways to set the preload and ou will hear other ways I'm sure), Install the cotter key (or what ever lock it has).<br />Install bearing buddies and you are done.<br /><br />These are general directions, you set up may be a little different so note how you take it apart.

 

[ThomWV]

Re: wheel bearrings-how to replace?

I wrote an article on how to do it. Over the years hundreds of guys have used it and shot me E-Mails about how to make it better. I've edited it a bunch of times and so now days it seems to work for everyone. Here's the link:<br /><br /> Article describing how to replace or repack trailer wheel bearings. Step by step. Also proper tightening of nut, and some maintainence stuff too.

 

[moderator1]

Re: wheel bearrings-how to replace?

Moving to Trailer questions.

 

[wajajaja]

Re: wheel bearrings-how to replace?

thankyou both, after reading your directions, both are great, i'll skip the preassembled units and piece them out according to direction, i assume that the parts ,bearings,seals and nuts would be available at a auto store, or at least a local trailer dealer. i got 5 axels to do, so ill start with the old farm trailer,than flat bed and old boat(for sale) and new(used) boat. i auta get the hang of it by then. the last time i did bearings was early ninetys and went sixty mile and burned up the front spindle on a ford van.<br /><br />thanks again

 

[Breamo]

Re: wheel bearrings-how to replace?

ThomWV, your article is excellent. <br />Thank you for sharing. next time someone ask a question, I know where to send them to.<br /><br />Cheers

 

[michael lyons]

Re: wheel bearrings-how to replace?

ThomWV,<br /><br />I can not access your document regarding the wheel bearings. May I ask you for your assistance in obtaining a copy? I can't seem to find an email address for you or figure out a way to contact you. <br /><br />any advice???<br /><br />Michael Lyons

 

[ThomWV]

Re: wheel bearrings-how to replace?

Nitro,<br /><br />My service provider's server was down this morning up until about 8:00 AM. You should be able to access it now, but if you have any problem at all just shoot me an E-Mail at tandjlm@westco.net and I'll dig out a copy and send it to you.<br /><br />Thom

 

[ED21]

Re: wheel bearrings-how to replace?

While the article seems long it's pretty easy to to do. It all makes sense once you start taking things apart. I've put the grease & bearing in a plastic baggie to press the grease into the bearing. It's still messy. <br />I've had a bearing blow out on the road. I was lucky nothing else was damaged. The maintenance is much easier than roadside repair.<br />Bearing buddies are recommended to keep the grease topped off.