![]() If you can move the piston or rock it back and forth, the hub does not need any grease. To determine if you need to add grease, push on the piston using your fingers. You can use the table below to determine the Bearing Buddy part number using the inside diameter of the bore. The most common sizes on boat trailers are 1.980 inches (50.29 mm) and 2.080 inches (52.83 mm). The original dust cap was removed from this bore. To determine what size Bearing Buddy that you require, carefully measure the inside diameter of the hub using a Vernier caliper or inside micrometer. Fully seat the Bearing Buddy in the hub as shown in the image below. Next, carefully tap the Bearing Buddy into the hub bore using a soft mallet or hammer and block of wood. To install the Bearing Buddy, pry off the original dust cap using a hammer and slotted (flat blade) screwdriver. The Bearing Buddy bearing protector is simple to install and simple to use. Bearing BuddyĪlthough several bearing protectors are commonly available, The Bearing Buddy brand is the most prevalent in the marketplace. If in doubt, disassemble the hubs and thoroughly clean all of the old greases from the hubs and bearings (add link). When using a bearing protector, it is important to always use the same grease–the thickening agent in the grease may not be compatible with another grease. Most bearing protectors are spring-loaded–the grease pumped into the hub is kept under slight pressure to prevent dirt, dust, water, or other contamination from entering the hub. The bearing protectors are equipped with zerks or grease fittings that allow you to add grease using a grease gun. Bearing protectors allow you to add grease to the bearings and hub without removing the tire and hub. Bearing ProtectorsĪ typical bearing protector is a metal cap that replaces the standard dust cap on a trailer axle. Excessive play indicates that the bearings require adjustment or the bearings may be failing. There should be very little in-and-out play in the wheel. Next, grab the tire at the top and bottom and attempt to shake the tire. Be aware, however, that hubs that contain the braking system will normally make more noise than an axle without a brake. Grinding, rumbling or any unusual noise indicates that the bearings may be failing. If any hub is considerably hotter than the remaining hubs, that hub will require service at your soonest opportunity.īefore a long trip, raise each wheel off the ground and give the wheel a good spin. ![]() You can touch the hub on normally operating bearings without burning your fingers. To do so, simply touch each wheel hub and note if any are noticeably hotter than the others are. I always perform a quick touch test after pulling my trailer and boat any distance. Use this opportunity to load your coolers, lunch, fishing gear, and other items necessary for a fun day on the water. Backing the trailer into the cool water will cause a vacuum to develop inside the hub which can draw water into the hub therefore, sit at the launch ramp for a few minutes to allow the bearings to cool before submerging the axles in the water to help prevent water intrusion. Even traveling a short distance will create heat inside the hub. Because boat trailers are frequently submerged in water, service your trailer wheel bearings more frequently than bearings on a regular trailer. Service your boat trailer bearings at least once per year or every 3000-3500 miles, whichever comes first (even if your trailer is equipped with bearing protectors). When to Service Your Trailer Hub and Wheel Bearings Wheel bearings fail for a variety of reasons, the most common being insufficient lubrication, improper adjustment, and dirt and water (especially salt water) intrusion. This trailer hub and bearing assembly guide cover the inspection, maintenance, and replacement procedures necessary to keep your trailer axles in top condition.Īccording to Boat US, 77 percent of all calls for roadside assistance are trailer related and 22 percent of those calls are the result of wheel bearing failures. If the wheel bearings failed, the trailer hub and axle spindle may also be damaged or destroyed. More than likely, the missing wheel and hub or brake drum was the result of failed wheel bearings. In addition, it is understood that a wheel that has separated from the trailer at highway speed poses an extreme risk to other motorists. Even worse, it can create a hazard for other drivers and could be hit by another vehicle. The unfortunate owner of the boat and trailer has had to disconnect the tow vehicle and leave a prized possession on the side of the road where it is susceptible to theft or vandalism. A boat and trailer parked on the shoulder missing a wheel. We have all seen it before–while traveling down the road, there it is. How to Winterize Your Outboard Motor - October 22, 2021.Trailer Hub and Bearing Assembly Guide - November 17, 2021.
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