Trailer bearings

[yankee]

What are the recommended maintenance requirements to keep my trailer hub bearings running problem free?  My trailer is a single axle that does not have a grease fitting on the hub.  I did remove the plastic cap at the center of the hub.  I believe that this cap is intended to keep waster from entering inside the hub, but I'm not sure.  Anyways, the cavity behind the cap was full of a red colored grease.  The grease look and felt like it was in good condition, no water, no gray colored slime, all looked fairly good.  I had some problems with the bearings when the boat was being trailered to my residence, but not sure what was done. Any info that you guys can share about this would be appreciated.  I think this is my weakest spot on my rig.  

[yankee]

I read in an older post that Freezerfiller checks his bearings quite frequently, jacking up and checking for play in the hub, and tightening if needed. How much or little torque do you put on the bearing nut?

[Juan]

Just snug the bearing nut to the point where the hub turns freely then put in the cotter pin.
If you dont have grease fittings on your axle, you might consider a set of Buddy Bearings... Grease the Buddy Bearings just enough to see the spring move outward and they will keep grease forced into the bearings.

[yankee]

I just went online and looked at those Buddy Bearings, they look pretty good, and easily installed. Are the axles all the same size?

[985crabs]

If you are referring to the hub inner diameter where a Bearing Buddy® would be installed, no. They are certainly not all the same size. You need to measure with a digital caliper (really inexpensive at Harbor Freight) to make sure you get the right size. They will be snug and require smacking the hell out of them with a mallet to get them to seat. Get the bras that match. You'll be able to add grease easily before any trip. You'll be happy and your bearings will last for for a really long time.

[yankee]

Ok. I measured the inner diameter of my hub and it measured 1.62". The smallest that Bearing Buddy has is 1.78". Is this going to fit?? Also, they offer a stainless bearing but their chart says that they thread in?

[985crabs]

That's fascinating. I didn't know there was a hub with that dimension. I don't know how to help you with that. I haven't seen that size in a catalog.

I see they offer a threaded model in some sizes. Thanks for enlightening me. I have new hubs that are threaded and I hate them because the zerk is on the back and I thought I couldn't have Bearing Buddies®. Maybe I can.

[Juan]

To my knowledge, there's only two sizes: 1.78 and 1.98. and all I've ever seen are chrome plated. Sounds like you'll need the 1.78 and like crabs said, be sure to order the bras to fit the 1.78. They'll keep water and dust out.

[yankee]

I went back and wiped the race clean with a rag and am measuring much closer to 1.78" Went ahead and ordered the stainless with the bra's. Thanks for all the help, greatly appreciated.

[Juan]

When you install them, just tap them into the hub enough to hold it in place then either use a rubber or wooden mallet to seat them the rest of the way.. If you don't have a mallet, use a piece of wood on the bearing buddy and a hammer. Then using a grease gun, inject grease until you see the spring move outward...then cover with the bearing bras and you're good to go. I'd add a shot of grease after the first use and then (depending on how much it's on the road) about every six months.

[freezerfiller]

I trailer quite a bit (around 2,000 miles/yr), and I do jack up my tires and grease and check for play at the beginning of each season and tighten if I have any play. I also keep an IR thermometer and check my bearing temps periodically (like every 150 miles). If I see one get 20 degrees higher than the others, I'll give it a shot of grease and keep an eye on it. Bearing buddies are the way to go.

[yankee]

Thanks all for the education gentlemen. This site is awesome.