trailer bearings which ones to use?

[brussell]

Hi folks,
I have a full size trailer and one wheel is literally falling off...The trailer hasnt seen any use other than rolling around the yard for 5 years...can I get away with just replacing the bearings? I was in Academy the other day and they had 6 different sizes. Can I measure the diameter of the hub or do I need to pull the whole thing down to get the right fit? I was gonna pick some up this evening if I can just get a quick measurement...
Thanks

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: trailer bearings which ones to use?

Pull the bearing/s and see if there is a number on them or take them with you and the parts house can match them up.
Hard to get them by just looking at the hub.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: trailer bearings which ones to use?

replace everything.

 

[brussell]

Re: trailer bearings which ones to use?

thats what I thought...thanks

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: trailer bearings which ones to use?

Don't forget the inner seals also.

 

[brussell]

Re: trailer bearings which ones to use?

I just pulled the hubs off...one side had about 2 inches of play and was totally gone...the other side was tight but had water in it and was beginning to rust...I broke lugs on both hubs removing them and the hubs themselves were pretty rusty...dont they make a complete kit for these things? Or should I try and only buy what I need, although it looks like I need it all....

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: trailer bearings which ones to use?

Clean the hubs up, put new lugs in and check the spindle to make sure they have not cut them.
EDIT: Do you have the screw in lugs or studs and nuts?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: trailer bearings which ones to use?

Since you broke a couple of lub bolts I'd suggest you definitely replace the hubs and bearings as a complete assembly. They are inexpensive (relatively) and are available anywhere boating supplies are sold but I'd suggest you check a local farm store. You need to know the spindle size. Again, look at the inner and outer races for a part number. When you replace them, make sure you understand how to properly adjust the bearing pre-load. There are lots of theories on how to do it, so just do a search or go to Champion Trailers for the procedure.

 

[brussell]

Re: trailer bearings which ones to use?

I think it would be best to just redo it all. I havent touched them in 7 years..I called the closest Academy sports and they have the entire assembly for 40 bucks each..The only thing it doesn't include is the axle nut..These were pretty rusted but seemed alright..Also,I have done front end work on 4wd Jeeps before and as for installation is it the same?

To measure just wrpa a tape around the spindle?

 

[F_R]

Re: trailer bearings which ones to use?

Measure the axle-hole diameter in the bearings with a ruler. Best take a wheel with you when you go shopping. Most bolt patterns are standard, but oddballs do exist. And there are 4 and/or 5-bolt.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: trailer bearings which ones to use?

I normally only toss the hubs if they're of the stamped steel or aluminum kind. If their cast iron, and the bearings aren't spun in the hub, I normally just clean them up and replace the bearings and seals. It also sounds like you should probably replace all the wheel studs.

If you can buy good complete cast iron hubs for $40 a pair, you may also want to price out all the parts versus the cost of the complete hubs. It may be cheaper than rebuilding your old ones.

 

[brussell]

Re: trailer bearings which ones to use?

another question...How come the spindles have a section on the right side that's cut off? I can see that one of the races has the threaded part on it...I thought at first the spindle was gone until I noticed both sides are the same...On vehicles it usually isnt this way?

 

[Bondo]

Re: trailer bearings which ones to use?

The Flat-side of the spindle is to Lock the thrush washer from turning,...
And,.....
There should be No Threads on the Bearing Races......

 

[brussell]

Re: trailer bearings which ones to use?

look ok?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: trailer bearings which ones to use?

Most boat trailers USUALLY only use three different bearing combinations: 3/4 inch straight spindle--very light duty, 1 inch straight spindle, and 1 inch or 1 1/16 outer by 1 3/16 inch inner bearing spindle. Most likely your trailer will be one of these.

 

[brussell]

Re: trailer bearings which ones to use?

I'm confused as to where the cotter pin goes...is it possible I didnt have one?

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: trailer bearings which ones to use?

Possible but I doubt it.
You might have to clean it up real good and fine the hole.
Did it not have one when you took it apart?
Look at one of the other ones.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: trailer bearings which ones to use?

May have had a tabbed locking washer since it looks like it has the spindle lube system..

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: trailer bearings which ones to use?

That's true.
Forgot about that.

 

[brussell]

Re: trailer bearings which ones to use?

I thought it had one and was so rusted it just fell off when I started wrenching on it...The hub kits I saw didn't come with new nuts...can those be had seperately?