Replacing Bearings

[deepdiver]

I am sometimes too confident for my own good. Let this be a warning.
There are different size axle spindles. Not all boat/utility trailers are 1". Like I assumed. I bought a set of rplacement bearings and was dumfounded when, after replacing the races, packing the bearings, cleaning up the spindles, painting, etc.... the hub wouldn't go on. I sanded the spindle. I filed the edge thinking there must be a burr. Dumb.
My axles on this home built trailer used Dexter axle with 1 1/16" spindle.
I told you I was dumb... my wife agrees at least sometimes.
Just a warning. Check carefully before you proceed. As a carpenter says... measure and measure again before cutting. In this case 1/16 " is hard to see ... unless you have caliper micrometer, so measure the circumference where the Diameter gets multiplied by pi (3.1416...). then the 1/16" becomes almost 3/8" and is more obvious. Don't be too smart and assume... like me.
Cheers.:banghead:

 

[luckysaturn13]

i know this sounds dumb but do you have to remove the berring buddies to get to the berrings? my berring buddies are starting to look bad and i picked up a replacement set. Whats the best way to get them out? Also to check for berring play is it nessicary to remove them or the wheel or just jack the axle up and wiggle the wheel for play?
thanks.

 

[deepdiver]

Yes you have to remove the bearing buddies to service the bearing. It is an external device substituting for a cap. You shouldn't ever have to replace them so I wonder why you bought a new set. Consider returning.
To remove them tap on the sides back and forth, maybe pry at edge, and they wiggle off.
Have you been putting grease in? probably don't have to do anything.
To check for play, just jack the tire off the ground and wiggle. There should be slight axle axial movement but no wiggle. May just need to check/tighten nut. Not too tight.
If you have kept Bearing Buddy greased, you really shouldn't need to do anything, but if the wheel wobbles , take it off, and check it out.

 

[luckysaturn13]

i jacked it up wiggled the wheels there fine and dont have any play. When the wheel spins theres no binding or odd noises. So i think im gonna be ok. Im gonna grease the berrings and the pto tonight or tomorrow. how do you know when you have enough greese in the wheels? is there a port where it starts to escape from?

 

[deepdiver]

See http://www.bearingbuddy.com/faqs.htm FYI and instructions.

 

[luckysaturn13]

dude that is so badd ass, thanks!