riders Posted October 15, 2004 Share Posted October 15, 2004 OK - how often is every one changing their wheel bearings. Using bearing mates ?? etc etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevo Posted October 15, 2004 Share Posted October 15, 2004 You rarely have to replace bearings unless they are rusted or stuffed do to lack of maintenance, i re-grease mine every 6mths and ive never had a problem. Its a 5 minute job on each wheel. and no i don't use bearing buddies. Stevo :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hottuna Posted October 16, 2004 Share Posted October 16, 2004 Not so, I have bearing buddies an all 4 wheels, and use them often, Once a yr i replace all bearing as the trailer does do long 6hr trips. Its a salt water thing....... Suppose if i was only staying local i wouldn`t bother until one failed. Every 6 months they can and do get a bit loose and require a nip up to re tighten everthing. I`m about to put a new set in this weekend and may try out the new stainless steel bearings. Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basic_fisho Posted October 16, 2004 Share Posted October 16, 2004 Hi i put grease nipples on my trailers years and years ago,I pump about 4 pumps of grease in about every 6 times i take the boat out,I never change the bearings and i have never had a problem. I suggest you try this method, and for peice of mind, just check the bearings every so often,then you will see that it is o.k. to leave well alone. :beer: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riders Posted October 16, 2004 Author Share Posted October 16, 2004 thanks guys - nothing worse than off for a good day and the thing breaks down. I've been out of OZ for a few years (3yr) but it seems that on this side of things it has improved greatly. my imagination or not Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Bob Posted October 18, 2004 Share Posted October 18, 2004 I use bearing buddies and a couple of pumps every so often keeps the bearings in good order. Use of a good grease like OMC Tripleguard helps as well. I always change my bearings each season and give them a good check when travelling any distance. Hate to be on the side of the road broken down. Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_s Posted October 20, 2004 Share Posted October 20, 2004 Will the bearing last longer if they never go into the water? I don't get my tyres wet when launching the boat so I am hoping this means my bearings should last longer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grantm Posted October 20, 2004 Share Posted October 20, 2004 Hey Mark, Your bearings will definatley last longer if they never hit the water, although just as big an enemy of trailer bearings is lack of use. If your trailer sits there few a few months unused that needs to be taken into consideration too. This creats pits in the cones. Replace em every 2 years regardless i reckon and repack once a year as a general rule of thumb. Heres how you pack bearings - No tools required. Inspect rollers and cones for discoloration and pitting, if ok Wash out bearing if needed or unsure what grease is in it (dont mix greases) Packing tapered rolers is a piece of cake. Big dolop of grease in the palm of your hand and press and wipe thelarge end of the tapered roler into the grease and continue this until the grease comes out the small end. Job done. 1 minute per side. Use marine wheel bearing grease, ie Castrol Boating Grease which is a lithium based grease or equivelant. Replace the hub seals and wipe some grease on the bearing side, fit hub, tighten nut LIGHTLY - just over finger tight so theres no play and fit new split pin. There you go - some more technical info from my mental vault of useless tidbits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grantm Posted October 20, 2004 Share Posted October 20, 2004 Oh sorry mate forgot to mention if you use your boat regularly throughout the year and they dont hit the water, you can get longer out of your bearings. Repack every 2 yrs and replace every 3 or 4, Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick Posted October 20, 2004 Share Posted October 20, 2004 I replace mine every 6 months, it is not a difficult or expensive excersise about $20 a wheel for parts. I had a set collapse after 6 months on a brand new trailer so I dont trust them any more. On longer trips I also carry a spare hub with a set of greased bearings installed ready to go, so if a bearing goes it is as easy as changing a wheel. A new hub and bearing kit costs less then $50 and gives peace of mind when travelling long distances especially at night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_s Posted October 20, 2004 Share Posted October 20, 2004 Alright sound slike I should check mine. I don't think they have been changed since the trailer was brought (by the original owner) in 1998 although I have asked the boat yard to check them a couple of times. On average I use the boat about once every 2-3 weeks although there would be periods of 6-8 weeks were she doesn't move. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Boppa Posted October 20, 2004 Share Posted October 20, 2004 Somebody put this up ages ago Can't remember who but great article http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html Good reading and info on bearings and changing them for the novice Cheers Boppa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_s Posted October 22, 2004 Share Posted October 22, 2004 (edited) How easy is to check/replace bearings in reality. I don't back myself at all when it comes to mechnical things so I did a bit of searching on the net for a "bearings for dummies" type thing. Found this page which seems comprehensive: http://www.rverscorner.com/articles/bearing1.html However the process doesn't sound so simple any more. Would I be better off just taking the trailer to a pro or is it really simple in reality. I guess I am worried that I might stuff something up by trying to service something that ain't broke in the first place. Edited October 22, 2004 by mark_s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bullfrog Posted October 22, 2004 Share Posted October 22, 2004 What I do is apply a thin bead of silicone around the hub cap to help stop water penetration. I'm on the original set of bearings after over three years so perhaps it has some merit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grantm Posted October 22, 2004 Share Posted October 22, 2004 Good point mark, to me its simple, but thats my game. If your not confident, thats ok its not everyones bag, then dont attempt it. Take it to a mechanic cause it should be a cheap exercise. I would advise learning to do it however in case you get stuck somewhere and need to do some "bush mechanics". I think all boaties should learn some basic procedures in regards to boat and trailer maintanence. Could get you out of trouble one day. Cant call the NRMA to fix your boat or trailer . Oh yeah, the old addage of dont touch what aint broke is a risky ploy. Trailer bearing failure seldom gives any warning. Cheers Mate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_s Posted October 22, 2004 Share Posted October 22, 2004 Thanks for the reply Grant I can easily seeing me pulling everythng apart and not being able to get it back together. I think I will try and get someone else to do it the first time, maybe with me watching so I could have a go next time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jocool Posted October 22, 2004 Share Posted October 22, 2004 Here we go...The germination of an idea in this silly old head of mine! We all go to socials to cqatch up and learn new techniques. What about we have a social, and bring our trailers along, for a good old fashioned talkfest and strip some bearing while at it? I think we would be able to manage a few beers while doing this! Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grantm Posted October 22, 2004 Share Posted October 22, 2004 Jo mate, Id be happy to help show some people how to do this if it helps. Dont sweat it, I am qualified. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jocool Posted October 22, 2004 Share Posted October 22, 2004 Need a big area Joe?? 15832[/snapback] Ramp at Penryn Rd at Botany never fills up to capacity! I'm sure we could have a session on the Bay, and then meet at the ramp for some instructionals! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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