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AR15.COM
5/24/2012 10:55:55 AM EDT
Long story short, borrowed a 4 wheel trailer from a friend to haul a car down to the future FIL.  When I got home last night, one of the wheel hubs was burning hot to the touch (after 60+ miles).  Plan on jacking up the trailer tomorrow, pulling that wheel, pulling the bearings, getting new bearings & seals from AutoZone, etc, & replace & pack the bearings.  Anything in particular I should know, watch out for?

I have moderate mechanical skills, but haven't turned a wrench in several years.

Gig 'em,

backbencher
5/24/2012 11:46:32 AM EDT
[#1]
It's not that bad of job.

Here is a video I found on Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-q9QFRhLi4


With moderate mechanic skills you will have about 30 minutes per wheel if everything goes well.
5/24/2012 12:14:04 PM EDT
[#2]
As long as the spindle / axle isn't pooched it isn't a difficult job. Just don't over torque the axle nut when you put it back together.
 
5/24/2012 12:18:42 PM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
As long as the spindle / axle isn't pooched it isn't a difficult job. Just don't over torque the axle nut when you put it back together.  


Yeah, hopefully bearings/races didn't weld themselves to the spindle.  That's a reall pain to fix.

When assembling the wheel bearings, etc. tighten the bearing/axle nut "snug", then back it off about 1/8 of a turn or to the next available notch/hole for cotter pin.

5/24/2012 12:18:45 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
As long as the spindle / axle isn't pooched it isn't a difficult job. Just don't over torque the axle nut when you put it back together.  


Roger.  Hey, I appreciate what you & your boys did in Iraq & are doing in Afghanistan.

Gig 'em,

backbencher
5/24/2012 12:30:03 PM EDT
[#5]
Do some research on the trailer, not all places may carry the right bearing.  If there is a trailer repair/parts facility nearby, might want to ask them about which bearing.

ETA:  It doesn't have brakes does it?
5/24/2012 1:04:40 PM EDT
[#6]



Quoted:



Quoted:

As long as the spindle / axle isn't pooched it isn't a difficult job. Just don't over torque the axle nut when you put it back together.  




Roger.  Hey, I appreciate what you & your boys did in Iraq & are doing in Afghanistan.



Gig 'em,



backbencher
thank you. I have 2 friends over in A-Stan right now. One active duty and one doing the contractor thing.





 
5/24/2012 1:07:43 PM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Do some research on the trailer, not all places may carry the right bearing.  If there is a trailer repair/parts facility nearby, might want to ask them about which bearing.

ETA:  It doesn't have brakes does it?


Er, yessssss, yes it does.  Electric ones, plugged into my brake controller.  I've towed this particular trailer to Chicago & back w/ this van.  Why?

Plenty of trailer parts/auto supplies around here.  Plan was to pull it all out, clean it, then take it down to the auto parts store & get the whole kit.

Gig 'em,

backbencher
5/24/2012 4:15:57 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Long story short, borrowed a 4 wheel trailer from a friend to haul a car down to the future FIL.  When I got home last night, one of the wheel hubs was burning hot to the touch (after 60+ miles).  Plan on jacking up the trailer tomorrow, pulling that wheel, pulling the bearings, getting new bearings & seals from AutoZone, etc, & replace & pack the bearings.  Anything in particular I should know, watch out for?

I have moderate mechanical skills, but haven't turned a wrench in several years.

Gig 'em,

backbencher


Don't use a hammer on any part of the new bearings.
Keep everything as clean as possible.
5/24/2012 6:00:10 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
Quoted:
As long as the spindle / axle isn't pooched it isn't a difficult job. Just don't over torque the axle nut when you put it back together.  


Yeah, hopefully bearings/races didn't weld themselves to the spindle.  That's a reall pain to fix.

When assembling the wheel bearings, etc. tighten the bearing/axle nut "snug", then back it off about 1/8 of a turn or to the next available notch/hole for cotter pin.



This.  I've done many of trailers...
5/24/2012 6:28:33 PM EDT
[#10]
Good thread timing, I'm getting ready to do the bearings on my 16' trailer....
5/24/2012 7:23:17 PM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
Good thread timing, I'm getting ready to do the bearings on my 16' trailer....


I work for a large bearing company.  If you want a long bearing life, there is no such thing as too clean.  Sealed for life bearings are the way to go if that is an option.
5/25/2012 7:59:54 PM EDT
[#12]
Got a local trailer company to do it today for $45.  I sweated my ass off today enough as it is, I didn't need to tear my hair out trying not to scratch something as I pry it out w/ a screwdriver.  The seal had gone bad, the bearings were fine, they cleaned 'em & repacked 'em.  The hub is still hot, as is the one on the other side on the same axle, so I'm guessing the brakes are dragging - which might explain my 6.8 mpg through the hills on 281.

Got the Kia chained up on the trailer by 4:30 this afternoon, so lit out for the future in-laws.  Lost a tire on the rv 1 mile from their house, where we discovered the hitch ball is 1 size too small.  Will fix that tomorrow, along w/ some new tires.

Gig 'em,

GB