Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

[vwbugman69]

So I have attempted to replace the bearings and races on my trailer. I have one hub all put back together and something just doesn't seem right. I am not sure how easy or how much the hub should spin when I let go. By that I mean if I spin the assembly, it spins, but as soon as I let go it immediately stops. There is no noise and it is the same even with the spindle nut removed.

Is this normal or did I make a mistake somewhere along the way?

 

[Levinz11]

Re: Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

They really don't spin freely like a roller skate. If you are using new bearings and races I think you're fine.

 

[wrench 3]

Re: Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

How did you grease the new bearings and how are you adjusting the nut?

 

[vwbugman69]

Re: Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

How did you grease the new bearings and how are you adjusting the nut?

I used a bearing packer for the grease. I tightened the nut until there was resistance then I backed it off a bit.

 

[wrench 3]

Re: Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

Sounds like you did not bad. You should tighten the nut tight, spin the wheel, back the nut off and then adjust it. With the wheel on the hub it should spin a couple of turns when you let go of it.(after the adjustment)

 

[I_5320]

Re: Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

I used a bearing packer for the grease. I tightened the nut until there was resistance then I backed it off a bit.

I've repacked/replaced a few. I've seen a few Videos showing this and got confirmation from my brother-in-law who's a mechanic

Making sure bearings and outside washer are all in tight. Hand thread nut on until it stops. Using wrench rotate tire and nut at same time until you feel everything firm up. Usually about 1/3 turn but I have needed to do it twice. Then give it about a 1/8-1/4 turn more insuring everything is well seated. Next back off nut between 1 notch to usually no more than 1/4 turn.. Back off 1 notch an a time until is spins freely with just a little resistance (very little if any) but you also have no play in wheel if you try to wobble side to side. You'll sorta get a feel when it's right.

Big picture.

So the idea is you want to seat everything but while turning wheel. Once you feel some resistance on wheel turning your ready for that final 1/8-1/4 turn. (Also turning both nut and tire at same time) , then back off for free spin with no slop. The rotations stated above are a good guide but depending now tight your reassembly was it can differ.

 

[I_5320]

Re: Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

I reread this thread, I agree with Levins11 and Wrench 3. It won't spin like a skate and should only a spin two or so turns when you whip it. I like to just hand rotate it and only feel the resistance of the grease with no play in the wheel.

 

[wrench 3]

Re: Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

A "little" bit of play in the wheel is OK. After getting a "0" play adjustment you should loosen it to the first position were you can lock it. If you tighten it to the lock, the bearing could overheat.

 

[I_5320]

Re: Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

A "little" bit of play in the wheel is OK. After getting a "0" play adjustment you should loosen it to the first position were you can lock it. If you tighten it to the lock, the bearing could overheat.

Good point, I put too much emphasis on "no play". Better it have a little than chance it too tight.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

Read section D
TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND TECH ARTICLES

 

[skyking897]

Re: Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

I've seen what you are describing. If you used new seals along with new bearings and races, it's not unncommon for the hub to have some drag on it and not spin as freely as you would expect. If you have adjusted them properly with next to no play in the hub I wouldn't worry about it. Chances are if you towed the trailer around the block and then jacked up each wheel and recheck them they will spin a lot more freely. It's just everything seating in and the grease seal wearing in to the axle. That would be the time to readjust the bearings if needed.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

Make certain you have matching cones and bearings. I've seen some "marvelous" repairs and a few fires this way.
Its also not hard for a first-timer to install a race slightly canted. This can make setting the preload impossible.
Once you've done this a few times its a snap.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

If you used new seals along with new bearings and races...

Just a note! You always replace the rear seal when replacing bearings.

 

[vwbugman69]

Re: Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

Yes, new seals and matching bearings/races were installed.

Just as an FYI, I have only been just spinning the hub w/o a tire attached. I can try seeing how it reacts with a tire on.....

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

Yes, new seals and matching bearings/races were installed.

Just as an FYI, I have only been just spinning the hub w/o a tire attached. I can try seeing how it reacts with a tire on.....

Ohhhhh! That's a huge difference!! Will spin forever with a wheel on it.

 

[vwbugman69]

Re: Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

Finally got around to finishing up the other hub and have another question. I have an eagle trailer with the safety lube spindles. When I was pumping the hub full of grease from the zirc on the first hub, the grease came out from the end of the spindle as I expected.

On the 2nd hub, the grease came out from behind the washer/ bearing area. Does this mean I did something wrong or is it no big deal?

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

Should be like this

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

deleted

 

[vwbugman69]

Re: Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

Okay. So I went back and looked at the first hub, and held the grease gun into the zirc and 10 pumps later grease was coming from the bearing, just like the other side.

Having not much experience greasing zircs, what is the proper way to do it? Do you put pressure from the grease fitting onto the zirc or just snap it on and pump away?

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Bearing Replacement First Timer Questions

Snap and pump,if you have to hold it on, either the fitting or gun isnt right.