Replacing bearings in hub?

[mrmushroomman]

I am a first timer when it comes to replacing bearings. My question is how do you determine the size of the bearings needed for replacement? Do you measure the inside of the bearing or the outside from side to side? Is the front bearing usually the same size as the back bearing? I have a single axle EZ loader trailer with surge brakes. I know that the easiest way is to take the bearings with me and match them up at the store but i would rather have all the parts i need before i bust the back seal and have parts everywhere. I'm trying to do it step by step with the front first then the back. SOme guidence would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Replacing bearings in hub?

you need to get in there and pull the bearings, they have a number stamped on the side, that is the only way to be sure. then record the number somewhere for next time. inside and outside not necessarily the same.

 

[mrmushroomman]

Re: Replacing bearings in hub?

I looked at the bearing for size when i pulled the front out but the numbers are not readable on the side of the bearing. When i measure the outside of the bearing i get 1 3/4 but the inside looks like 1 1/16. I guess i will take the front bearing and the back bearing out and take them to the shop to make sure i get the right size. I appreciate the help.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Replacing bearings in hub?

Be really careful when you reassemble it that you don't overtighten the nut, you can ruin brand new bearings in no time that way.
I run the nut all the way in tight to make sure everything is seated then back it off till the tire spins freely without any play.
It has a cotter pin so you don't have to worry about it coming lose.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Replacing bearings in hub?

You can also call ez-loader with your model number or VIN to find out.. I did that with my 87 ez-loader trailer and found the bearing online..

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Replacing bearings in hub?

See if there is a bearing store near you. You will generally find better quality at around half the price of a dealership. They will also match to the old ones for you. Most folk in those places know bearings inside out.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Replacing bearings in hub?

Bearings are measured by inside diameter. common sizes are 1 inch front and rear. 1-1/16 front and rear, 1-1/16 front and 1-3/8 rear. Since your trailer has surge brakes I suspect you have 1-1/16 front and 1-3/8 rear. Pull them out and take them along. Before you put them in make sure you understand how to pack a bearing. Search on the net for "packing wheel bearings". You can do it by hand or you can buy a bearing packer and a grease gun. I prefer doing it by hand.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Replacing bearings in hub?

By hand is the preferred way to pack bearings in my book !!!

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Replacing bearings in hub?

Shroom, 5150 has a very key point if you have not done this before. When you re-install the hub, just hand tighten the spindle nut. Put the wheel on and spin it as you tighten the nut with a socket to your specified torque. This "seats" the bearing into the race. Then back off ? turn and insert the cotter pin. Personally, I tighten to 35 ft/lbs and back off 1/4 turn. Some folks reuse the pin, but you should really use new ones as they cost all of 50 cents. Do not use standard wheel bearing grease. Use a marine grade as it will stand up to moisture much better.

 

[jasono2l]

Re: Replacing bearings in hub?

take the bearing to an auto parts store. The tech may know what bearing you need or at least be able to figure it out for you. I will be going throught this soon as well. I need to replace the bearings on my trailer too.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Replacing bearings in hub?

for the price of a good bearing packer, i can get my hands greasy.

 

[Black Snow Slide]

Re: Replacing bearings in hub?

First time I had to repack bearings I brought it to the trailer guy in our town to have him do it. I asked him if I could watch because I tow long distances and if I had to do it on the side of the road I didnt want it to be the first time going in the hub. I was flexable and took a time when he would have a slow day and brought my trailer. I watched him tear the entire brake and hub assembly down and he was more then willing to answer all my questions. I saw it done twice, saw a specialty tool I would need, I wrote a small list of all the part numbers that were used, and I learned how to fix some of the brake problems could cripple my day of boating.

You cant beat watching a guy with 20 some years in doing his perfestion. And all I had to do is ask and thanked him with a 50$ gift card to Texas Roadhouse. Short money for an education and to get on the good side of the man that will fix your trailer when you get in a real jam. Good luck

 

[mrmushroomman]

Re: Replacing bearings in hub?

Thanks for all the info guy's. I did pull the front and back and the back bearing is definitly bigger than the front. I'm going to go to my boat mechanic because he carries all sizes of bearings. The bearings and the races are in great shape but i would feel better going ahead and replacing it all and keeping the old ones around for spares. I bought some marine grade grease called green grease. Has anybody heard of this? I have read how to repack the bearings so i'm covered there but now once i get the bearings put back in i need to figure out why my brakes aren't working. When i have the tire and hub off, should i see the brakes contract when i push in on the trailer tongue coupler? I did that and i don't see anything moving. I do have fluid in the brake resevoir and when i took the brake line loose behind the hitch and behind the hub i do see brake fluid coming out. What should i do now to eliminate why surge brakes aren't working?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Replacing bearings in hub?

When i have the tire and hub off, should i see the brakes contract when i push in on the trailer tongue coupler?

Nope,... They should Expand when pressure is applied to the master cylinder....

Crack the Brake lines at the back of the Wheel Cylinders, or the Bleed Screws there, See if the fliudis moving from the Master Cylinder to the Wheel Cylinders....
Check the Wheel Cylinders to see if they're Siezed,...
After everything is reassembled,...
Then you can Bleed the brakes....

 

[sc_shane]

Re: Replacing bearings in hub?

I found this one day. I plan on watching\reading this a few times before I attempt mine - thought I would share - http://www.reygarza.net/Bearing_maintenance.html

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

Re: Replacing bearings in hub?

I found this one day. I plan on watching\reading this a few times before I attempt mine - thought I would share - http://www.reygarza.net/Bearing_maintenance.html

Thats pretty good there. However I'll add that you can save yourself from having to beat the old race back out when your done by taking the old race to the grinder before you start putting in the new races and skinning off the outer circumference until it just slips into the hub. Plus if you can save it where you can remember it you only need to do the grinding once and you'll have the right size driver whenever you need it.

 

[djvan]

Re: Replacing bearings in hub?

Don't forget the old throw the races in the freezer for a while (I prefer overnight). This "shrinks" them and allows for an almost push in with your fingers fit.

A socket the barely fits into where the race is supposed to go also works as a shadetree race driver.

DougV>

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Replacing bearings in hub?

Wheel bearing adjustment MUST have just a very slight amount of play. There are many on-line sights that describe how to adjust wheel bearings. Most will tell you to tighten the nut to a specific torque. Then back off and tighten with finger tight. Then back off to the first notch in the nut that you can get the cotter pin into. Then put your hands at the top and bottom of the wheel and try to rock it in and out. You should feed just a very slight, almost imperceptable amount of play.