trailer bearings

[Mouthfulloflake]

ok,

my plans might be changing, so that im pulling a trailer to SFF instead of skis in the back of a truck.

My bearings are OLD, always greased them with bearing buddies though, and they never get warm.

would it be better to replace them, and carry the old ones as spares?

just grease them, and carry new ones as spares?

not worry about it, and drink more beer?

about 1500 miles round trip about to happen.
ive never pulled this trailer that far.

I have pulled it a few hundred miles without trouble, going slower though, 60-80 MPH tops.

this trip might be more like 70-90MPH

 

[Mark44]

Just pull them out and inspect and pack them then you are good to go.

Mark44

 

[Kny21]

open them up and inspect...... if pitted, rusty, etc. just rebuild. 20 minute job, < $30 in parts for added comfort. Save old ones for emergency if they're not too bad.

 

[Endo]

Just Drink More Beer!!!! If you have been using bearing buddies and keeping up on the greasing (never let spring in buddy go all the way in) jack it up and do a wiggle test. If still tight don't worry about it. But I am a little anal and carry a spare set with me...and tools of course. Nothing like leaving a loaded trailer along the road while you go look for bearing!!!!

 

[WAB]

But a new set to take with you, if you don't use them, return them back to the store after you get back. :biggthumpup:

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

hahaha

Ill at least inspect and repack them, and carry spares.

just wondered, the trailer has pretty good sized tires on it, just never pulled on the interstate before. not sure how they will handle those wheel speeds.

 

[michael950]

hahaha

Ill at least inspect and repack them, and carry spares.

just wondered, the trailer has pretty good sized tires on it, just never pulled on the interstate before. not sure how they will handle those wheel speeds.

If your going to go through the trouble and pull them to inspect, replace them.

Are you taking the kids? Can you imagine what it will be like working to replace the bearings on the side of the road?

DO NOT FORGET A SPARE TIRE!!!

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

Kids until Memphis.

my kids are good though, I could literally have them stay in the car, or sit in the grass and play.

they listen to me, I can legally beat them, and they know that.

my thoughts with replacing them though, what if the ones I buy are lesser quality than the ones currently in there?

maybe Ill just pump the bearing buddy full and roll on.

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

I will jack up and wiggle, I havent done that in a LONG time, almost afraid too!

haha

Just Drink More Beer!!!! If you have been using bearing buddies and keeping up on the greasing (never let spring in buddy go all the way in) jack it up and do a wiggle test. If still tight don't worry about it. But I am a little anal and carry a spare set with me...and tools of course. Nothing like leaving a loaded trailer along the road while you go look for bearing!!!!

 

[wydopen]

just wondered, the trailer has pretty good sized tires on it, just never pulled on the interstate before. not sure how they will handle those wheel speeds.

those will spin slower than smaller ones so you should be ok

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

right, but still at 75-85mph.

thats some hellish bearing speeds.

those will spin slower than smaller ones so you should be ok

 

[aqua]

I will jack up and wiggle, I havent done that in a LONG time, almost afraid too!

haha

i need to check my bearings too....last i checked they had just a little play but not bad. im gonna have 1500lbs on that axle so i might check them a little more closely. would suck to have a wheel bearing go out while driving through memphis or somewhere like east st.louis.

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

yeah it would, ive got one of those Non contact temp guns, I plan to shoot the hubs at each stop to maybe prevent any big issues.

 

[Shonuff]

I'll be around so no worries.

 

[xxx2]

jack it up and do a wiggle test.

If It passes that test and you are still worried, go buy a hub kit (20 bucks or so) Pack the bearings and install them in hub along with seal, Now install hub on spare tire for trailer. Now if you have a flat or if the bearings go out all you have to do is knock off the bearing buddy and take off one loose axle nut compared to 5 rusty/tight lugnuts. Just a thought:biggthumpup:

 

[restosud]

beer and 70 or 90mph?hummm!i don't think you'll notice if the wheels fall off.
if temp stays low ,no play and no grinding if you spin the wheels,you should be ok!

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

the beer is for the passengers, no drinking and driving for this clan.

 

[CoreyLKN]

Do they make alot of noise when you are towing? My single did and we redid them which isnt to bad. Better to be safe than sorry. Just redo them and be good to go:biggthumpup:

 

[tor*p*do]

rebuild them and bring a spare tire and spindle for ease of interstate switch.
then no worries

 

[douglee25]

It's funny you posted this, I just repacked the bearings on my boat trailer yesterday. I need to check the ski trailer still though. I'm glad I checked them... I found both hub seals to be completely shot. The bearing on the right side was fine, the bearing on the left was slightly pitted (probably from sitting with a little water in it). I'm sure I should have no problem for a couple years at least now that I repacked them. I would repack the bearing, keep the bearing buddies full, and make sure the axle nut has taken out the play and you should be good to go.