Trailer Bearings

When I was getting off the water last week, as I was backing up the trailer, I noticed the wheel on the passenger side was wobbling. When I took a look at it I noticed the hub was missing and after I loaded up the boat I crippled home taking the side roads. I also check to make sure my grease levels and make sure nothing is missing.

I finally went to the garage today to look at the bearings and see if there was any damage done to the spindle. After getting everything cleaned up and taken apart things don't look too good. The 1st bearing was in good shape & intact but the inner bearing or what was left of it was just the shell of the bearing. Also noticed there was chunks missing off the spindle. I had this done last year and the just replaced the bearings on that side. I'm just curious if anyone can tell me if this spindle is still good because I have no clue. I also noticed some dimples on the outside of the spindle casing. Pics attached. It looks like hammer marks from knocking off the old bearing which I know was done at the shop. I'm hoping that someone here can lead me in the right direction as to what to do next. Also wondering if there's anything better than Bearing Buddies. Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Rob Schaller on November 23, 2008 at 6:43pm

more pics

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boat trailer 003.jpg, 79 KB
boat trailer 004.jpg, 95 KB

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Permalink Reply by peter on November 24, 2008 at 3:26am: Hi rob

I think i know what the reason is for these kind of damage. When driving the bearings are getting warm and if you put the whole wheals and bearings into the water when trailoring they shrink instantly when i see videos os you american guys trailering i watch it with great interrest because we do it very different in holland. I see that the boat is completly lose on the trailer and there's already some one in the boat . Then the guy in the car drives the whole trailer under water so the boat will be lifted in the water and is released from the trailer it thinks that if you have a long drive to get to your water you should do that.
good luck Rob; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Dean on December 7, 2008 at 7:18am: 1. when replacing the bearings, it is important to replace the race on the hub, it is tough to get out but they obviously did it as you noted the dimples as evidence
2. there are special seals for boat trailers that have more robust and duplicate bolstered rubber lips that will help keep the water from entering the hub. a regular seal just does not hold up. The better ones run about $10 a set from any on the net marine or trailer supply. That is probably the source of the problem.
3. When the hub is off, check the spindle where the seal would contact it. If it is corroded, some polishing with a dremel tool could do the trick so it does not eat up the rubber from the seal. Hope this helps, Dean; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by hammy129 on December 7, 2008 at 7:51am: Hey Rob, from the photos the spindle looks like you might be able to salvage it. The area where the inner bearing seats if not to bad should be able to hold a new bearing after a clean-up I would replace both and a new seal because if it was wobbling the outter bearing took some abuse ( small piece of insurance). Haven't seen anything better than Bearing Buddies yet, I use them on my trailer just have to maintain them. Hope this helps. Dave; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Dave Hutnick on December 7, 2008 at 6:58pm: I hate to tell you but your axle end has had it. The area where the seal rides is galled. The seal can't seal and keep the water out. Your axle end can be replaced but you have to find a good shop to cut yours off and weld the new one on. Dave; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by hammy129 on December 8, 2008 at 11:35am: Dave Hutnick is right I didn't notice the groove in the seal area.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rob Schaller on December 8, 2008 at 12:56pm: Thanks guys. All feedback I appreciate because this is all new to me. I just got out of the garage and disassembled the axle from the trailer. I was surfing through the net and found some sites on trailer axles. I was wondering if it's more cost effective to just get a new axle or replace the spindle like Dave mentioned. Also was curious if anyone is using the oil bath hubs? I was looking at those last year. Thanks again...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by hammy129 on December 9, 2008 at 8:52am: Hey rob, I was in the same spot last season. I went to the local trailer place (Brett Supply) here near Chicago and the guy (Steve)told me that after the cost of spindle, and removal of old one, and welding of new one, it was cheaper and quicker to just get a new axle. Thats what I did it was very quick fix and back in service in an afternoons work. Good Luck!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rob Schaller on December 9, 2008 at 9:24pm: Thanks Dave!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jeff Crumpton on December 14, 2008 at 9:15pm: oil bath on ranger trailer or any trailer is great. I fished from all over Florida to Lousiana not a problem over 28,000. miles this year.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rob Schaller on December 15, 2008 at 11:07am: Thanks Jeff! The oil bath will be on the new axle.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Shep on April 6, 2009 at 2:23pm: The spindle is junk. Might be cost effective to just get a new axle. Lots of places sell axles. Fleet Farm, TSC, and others. What is the make of the trailer, and the load rating of the axle?

LiquiLube makes kits you can install on nearly any axle made. Great product, you'll be glad you did it.; ▶ Reply to This