Trailer Bearings

[Catfish Bob]

Exactly why I didn't take my boat anywhere this season until I got new bearings. $90 at NAPA for seals, races, cap, everything but the grease. Use blue Marine grease.

Any mechanic shop that wants work would probably take on the job for $100 or less.

[Colbyt]

For people that do long hauls what CTFSHWHISKER said is the best action plan. Keeping a spare hub with bearings and the minimal amount of tools necessary to change it out is very cheap insurance. Prices vary a little bit. I can buy a new hub with bearings and races delivered to my door for less than $25. Changing is as simple as removing the cap, one cotter pin, one nut and sliding it off and the new one on.

Cleaning and repacking once per year is a standard marine trailer maintenance item. Any garage or service center can do the job as the process is the same for auto wheels and trailer wheels. Done yearly grease and new seals are the only real cost at about $12.

I would be willing to watch you do yours but I won't do it for you.

[MagikSmallie]

Make sure to keep fresh grease pumped into your bearing buddy. Every winter/early spring I take mine off and re-pack the bearings and inspect for chips or wear and replace if necessary. Bearings are a cheap replacement unless your on the side of the road. I am in the process of changing my hubs right now to these "no touch" Vortex hubs. They say no maintenance for 6 years or 100,000 miles. http://tiedowneng.com/avortex.html

I always keep tools ready for this, just in case, a jack, pliers, new seals and bearings, grease, pliers, and a wrench that will fit the bearing nut. watch a youtube video on how to do it, once you do it a time or two you'll see how easy it is. keeping a spare hub loaded up and ready to go is a quick easy fix if you ever have to have it.

[Buzzy]

Here is a link to youtube where Ky afield shows you how to pack bearings!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsCH1d6R7J0

[Colbyt]

Here is a link to youtube where Ky afield shows you how to pack bearings!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsCH1d6R7J0

An excellent video. I would not use gasoline to soak the parts. Use diesel or K-1. Those tend to be a bit safer. Taking the wheel off the hub also allows the hub to be soaked to remove all grease. A baby bottle brush works well to clean the interior of the hub.

[MSD]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Pre-G...its/701816.uts
Something like this is very handy to keep in the truck. Kinda like an insurance policy. You can shop around and find cheaper ones, but everything come in a handy storage box.

[GeoFisher]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Pre-G...its/701816.uts
Something like this is very handy to keep in the truck. Kinda like an insurance policy. You can shop around and find cheaper ones, but everything come in a handy storage box.

Man, WHAT a great idea........I'm gonna have to get one.......

[sweetwater]

Man, WHAT a great idea........I'm gonna have to get one.......

I agree, not as expensive as you'd think it would be either. Add one of these and you're in business. http://www.cabelas.com/product/Quick...h-All+Products

[Luke512]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys! Just don't want another trip like that, that was long, tiring, and horrible!

[Embrey]

find it on you tube or something. bearings are about the easiest maintenance thing you can do. the way you learn is tear it apart, so you have to figure it out .

[outdoorsman_33]

This happened at one time or another to most of us. After it happens you ensure to pack the bearings with new grease and seals each year!

[dac244]

Something I have always done anytime I am towing the boat and stop for gas or a bite to eat or whatever I always like too feel each hub and make sure they are not overly warm. which could possibly indicate a potential problem.