Trailer Bearing Replacement 101

[J-Doc]

Probably not the correct forum for this but I trust the "locals" here on this forum for great information. :-)

I have a 2-wheel boat trailer (1979) with the original axle and the seals on the hubs need to be replaced. The wheels are also making a rubbing noise that is comone with rusty bearings. I want to fully replace the bearings and wheel races but I do not know how to determine what size I have. I do not have brakes on the trailer, just a simple axle setup. I do know the wheel hubs are a 5-lug.

A) How do I acurately determine the size of my spindle? Tape measure or micrometer?
How do I acurately deterime what size bearings I need? Is 3/4" the thickness?
C) How do I determine the size of the races?
D) How do I determine the size of the seal?
E) Just how much grease are you supposed to pack/use with a bearing buddy? I've seen many threads where people use too much, how much it supposed to be?
F) Anyone know where I can buy a race tool as well?

I'm mechanically sound enough to repalce my bearings and races. I watched a few videos on Youtube and read some instructions on this and it looks really simple. I just need the correct parts for the job and a race tool as well as a bearing packer.

If anyone can give me some detailed instructions on how to determine what I have, I'm glad to get my hands "really greasy" and do this myself and save some serious cash vs. paying someone to do an easy job. All I need to know is what to order online.

[fishinwrench]

I have all the goodies, and plenty of hand cleaner and band-aids.

No need to order anything online, the local O'Rielly's stocks bearing/race kits, and wheel seals.

I'll coach you through it if ya want....FOC

[kjackson]

What I've done in the past is take the bearings and races in to the local parts store and asked the guy behind the counter to help size them. It wasn't a big deal to have done and was part of the service. However, that was a while ago and customer service standards have changed a bit.

[grizwilson]

Like wrench I just get one up and pull it apart and take to the local O'Rileys they can measure or get numbers off of. Worse case you will have to wait until the next day to get part. One thing I will point out is that they cary several brands of parts. I am familiar with the local guys and they take care to get me the best quality for price. One time a kid was selling me the first one he came to on a seal, for $17 questioned him, the only one on the shelf, had to wait the next morning for the $10 one... Also suggest getting a third one, carry in the toolbox of truck, had to change one once away from home much easier when you have the right parts. Also seen this:

g

[J-Doc]

I have all the goodies, and plenty of hand cleaner and band-aids.

No need to order anything online, the local O'Rielly's stocks bearing/race kits, and wheel seals.

I'll coach you through it if ya want....FOC

FOC......you're appealing to my wallet....and my WIFE!

I admit, I would LOVE to get them changed out before driving the boat back on a 4hr drive when I come to pick it up. I'd hate to get the bearings out and then your local O'Rielly's didn't have them in stock. The closest place after that is probably Sringfield right? You do kinda live out in the sticks. HeHe!

If I can leave early (depending on when I come to get the boat), I hope to get there around 10AM this trip and then I can get the bearings out and replaced. Work has me busy and traveling again so it may be another 1-day trip for me again. I will bring us some of my home-made chilli though. Its just as good re-heated as it is fresh from the crockpot. Southwestern blackbean chili! Crap.......now I need to make some. All of this cold weather makes me want a batch of it!

[J-Doc]

Do you have a race setting tool and a bearing packer? Forgot to ask. I found a race setting tool at Harbor Freight for about $25

[fishinwrench]

Unless it's some oddball size that I've never seen, then yeah I have the race driver. And our O'Rielly's stocks a good supply of wheel bearing kits. (lots of trailers out here in the sticks).

I have two "bearing packers" that go with me everywhere since I find it hard to eat/fish/piss without them..... but you said you wanted to use YOUR OWN so....

[J-Doc]

I don't have a packer so if you're willing to loan.....for the price of a great bowl of chilli then we have a deal. :-) I bet its a standard size. Just nervous about taking it apart and running the risk of someone not having parts. I bet it will be fine. Like you said....lots of trailers out that way. Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[fishinwrench]

HorseS#it, you have two packers that work the same as mine, I've seen'em

But yeah I'll do the packing in trade for a bowl of chili.

[J-Doc]

You must mean my fingers because I don't have one of those fancy packing tools. Found one at O'Reilys online for $25. I'll probably invest into one of those one day