Trailer Bearing Replacement

[Splatterback]

The rear seal on one of my bearings went out today. Never had to replace them before. Looked online and saw a "how to" page. Didn't look too difficult, but did look like a long and messy process. Does anyone know how much to have someone replace it and is it worth the price.

Thanks in advance

[yankswon96]

Just a guess, but probably 1 hour of labor for each wheel,plus parts.I had 1 go out on me last w/e and had to change it in a hot parking lot,let me tell you it s$%cked.

[MsgMills]

I know it's a messy job, but 4 hours of labor plus parts could be rather expensive for a Bearing job on your trailer. That is considering if you got 4 wheels on your trailer....

[DaveR]

Let me know if you need help, I need money and don't mind getting messy. I can tear it apart and take the seal to NAPA to match it up. Hopefully finding a double lip seal to provide better longevity in futuire for you. They should last several years with proper maintenance. My Labor Rate is 40.00 an hour and if you watch or help me you will be able to do it yourself next time.

email me.

[R19]

I know a mechanic that will repack the bearings with new grease and replace the seal for $30 per wheele. That was his rate 2 years ago when I used him but just like everything I am sure his price has went up. It took him about 1 1/2hrs to do both my wheeles...if the bearing needs to be replaced it will cost more but all mine needed was repacking.


There is another boat shop/mechanic right down the road from this guy. In the past I have used him to do a coulpe of small jobs. When I asked him how much it would run to get my bearings repacked he told me it would probably run 1-2hours shop labor plus parts...thats $70-$140 plus the cost of the seals and the grease...the guy down the road just found a new customer LOL

I told this new mechanic what price I was quoted buy somebody else and he said depending on what work I do on your boat it will be $70 an hour also. I do have different rates for different jobs...basic maintaince like changing whelle bearing water pumps fuel filters spark plugs I charge a flat fee. Bring one in and I have to trouble shoot the motor tear into it then put it back together then it is $70 per hour.

R19

[LoweBow]

Packing or replacing your bearings is really not that difficult of a job. It takes a little bit of time maybe 1 hr per wheel and can be done w/ the minimum of tools. Once you've done on you'll wonder why you haven't done it before as they get easier and easier each time.

IMO Dare R has a great rate and if you were to work w/ him and watch him do it once....you'll do the job yourself next time. For his rate it would be a great learning experience for you.

Here's a video that will help you if you decide to try to tackle it yourself.....It's really a piece of cake job!

http://www.etrailer.com/tv_repack_trailer_hub_bearings.aspx

[Splatterback]

Thanks for the info. Got someone to help me. Figure it will be better if I learn how to do it in case a bearing goes out in the boonies later on

[DaveR]

Where a lot of folks get lost is not having the right tools or knowledge of what tools that will make it easier. How to remove grease properly from a bearing and inspect it for damage and then perform a fresh repack with new grease.

How to properly remove and replace seals without damaging hub , bearings , bearing races, etc