Wobbly Wheel

[mountainboy]

Just got back from a fishing trip and noticed that one of my tires didn't look right. Jacked up the trailer and the wheel is wobbly. I have not taken it off yet (little tired from trip). Any information as to what is wrong is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[wayne h]

Re: Wobbly Wheel

bearings.if its lose i would say that a bearing and race has went bad.when was the last time they where serviced ?

 

[Guido]

Re: Wobbly Wheel

I would guess that the wheel bearings are giving out.

 

[mountainboy]

Re: Wobbly Wheel

It's an old 1981 Gamefisher trailer. I bought it last summer and the previous owner bought if from an older gentleman. He did not know when it was serviced last, but we greased it shortly after I bought it. Is it an expensive problem? Thanks for the quick help!!

 

[jim phillips]

Re: Wobbly Wheel

Should be able to do both wheels for about 20 bucks pack the new bearings well and invest in bearing buddys.

 

[airmech]

Re: Wobbly Wheel

when u take the hubs off wipe the grease off of the spindle and check to see if there is any wear in it and see if the spindles are straight.seen some bent up from driving boat onto trailers improperly.it's probally just a bearing problem but while your doing that u might as well check er out..

 

[mountainboy]

Re: Wobbly Wheel

Thanks for everything everyone!!! I took off the wobbly tire and it was a total mess. The bearings were pretty much gone. I thank the Good Lord for getting my son and I home safely!! I then took off the other tire and the bearings did not look so good either. Most of the time, I'm so focused on hitting the lakes for fishing that I've neglected to check the other important things next to the outboard and the fishing equipment--the trailer Anyway, I went to Napa and a good ol' boy set me up for 25.00 for both wheels and I invested in a pair of bearing buddies. One question about the bearing buddies--how often do I squirt it with grease and how soon until I repack the bearings again or is repacking needed because of the bearing buddies? Thanks again MB

 

[DJ]

Re: Wobbly Wheel

mb,<br /><br />Hit them before every outing. Be careful, don't put too much in. Most of them have a relief hole that grease will come out, when they are full.<br /><br />Otherwise, grease them until the center plunger just bottoms out on the hub end.<br /><br />I would still take them apart yearly and service them.

 

[jlshields]

Re: Wobbly Wheel

Sorry djohn, I have to take exception with your advice. MountainBoy, if you got the genuine Bearing Buddy you push on the plate that has the grease zerk in it and if it rocks, DON'T GREASE IT. If you grease it till it bottoms out, when the hub warms it will blow the seal. If you over grease there is no relief hole and you'll push out your seal. Just check it before each trip. <br /> john

 

[Gone Again]

Re: Wobbly Wheel

John is correct! The biggest problem with Bearing Buddies is people over grease them. After they are installed and the air is worked out, they may never need greasing again. If the plate, with the zerk on it, can be rocked, no grease is needed. When the plate is all the way in, bottomed and can't be rocked, then only grease till the plate STARTS to move outward-no more! Bearings with this system need servicing each year because water still does get in.

 

[kdmiller8251]

Re: Wobbly Wheel

How do bearing buddies grease the inner wheel bearing??? If you shoot grease into the front of the wheel, how does it ever replace the back grease??<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Tallman

 

[jlshields]

Re: Wobbly Wheel

tallman, they don't replace the grease, they just keep a small amount of pressure in the hub to keep the water out. You must grease the bearings when you install them. Safety Lube or Sure Lube spindles exchange the grease.<br /> john

 

[mountainboy]

Re: Wobbly Wheel

Hey everyone, I got everything in working order I was only wondering what you guys think about checking the nut for tightness that holds the cotter pin after driving for a while. I installed bearing buddies and this would mean having to take them off again after filling with grease. Thanks

 

[wayne h]

Re: Wobbly Wheel

you should not have a problem with the nut as long as you preloaded the bearing backed off then snugged it on the tight side.i am sure there are torque specs but this is the way i have always done it

 

[mountainboy]

Re: Wobbly Wheel

Thanks, Wayne--that is what I did when I put everything back together. I appreciate all the help. MB