Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Hitch ChronicleHitch Chronicle
    Subscribe
    • Home
    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
    • Get In Touch
    Hitch ChronicleHitch Chronicle
    Home » How to Replace Wheel Bearings on Boat Trailer
    Replace Wheel Bearings on Boat Trailer
    trailer

    How to Replace Wheel Bearings on Boat Trailer

    Keith HooverBy Keith HooverOctober 29, 2022Updated:December 18, 2022No Comments4 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Nothing lasts forever, including boat trailer bearings. Trailer wheel bearings need to be replaced because backing the trailer into the water to launch a boat will wash the grease from wheel hubs and bearings. Towing the boat trailer with grease-free wheel bearings is the best way to destroy them. Replacing trailer bearings is relatively simple, especially for the accomplished do-it-yourselfer. Routine wheel-bearing maintenance is the best way to avoid premature bearing failure.

    Instructions

    Difficulty: Moderate

    Things You’ll Need:

    • Lug wrench Alligator jack Flat tip screwdriver Cotter pin extractor Socket and ratchet Ball peen hammer Copper or brass drift pin Solvent Rags Wheel bearing grease New wheel bearings New wheel bearing seal
    • Lug wrench
    • Alligator jack
    • Flat tip screwdriver
    • Cotter pin extractor
    • Socket and ratchet
    • Ball peen hammer
    • Copper or brass drift pin
    • Solvent
    • Rags
    • Wheel bearing grease
    • New wheel bearings
    • New wheel bearing seal

    Removing Bearings

    Step 1

    Using a lug wrench, loosen, but do not remove, the wheel lug nuts or lug bolts. Place an alligator or floor jack under the trailer axle and raise the trailer until the wheel clears the ground. Do not rely on the jack to keep the trailer in the air. Once it is raised, support the trailer with jack stands or blocks.

    Step 2

    Once the trailer is jacked up, remove the wheel lug nuts or bolts and lay them aside. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.

    Step 3

    Using the flat blade screwdriver, pry off the grease cap from the end of the wheel hub. If the trailer is equipped with bearing buddies (self-lubricating hubs equipped with a spring-loaded piston), pry them out of the wheel hub.

    Step 4

    Remove the cotter pin in the end of the axle with a cotter pin extractor or a pair of pliers. With the proper size socket and ratchet or open-end wrench, remove the wheel nut. Slide the wheel hub off the axle shaft.

    Step 5

    Clean out the remaining grease with a good solvent and drift out the grease seal and bearing races–there is an inner and outer race–from the wheel hub with a brass or copper drift pin and ball peen hammer. A press with the proper inserts also works well to remove them.

    Installing New Bearings

    Step 1

    Clean the wheel hub thoroughly with a good grease remover or solvent. Dry it and inspect the interior of the hub raceways for damage and excessive wear.

    Step 2

    Install the new bearing races into the wheel hub. Use a press to install them or use a copper or brass drift pin and hammer, tapping them gently into place. Make sure each race is bottomed out in its recess.

    Step 3

    Load the new bearings with a good grade of wheel bearing grease like molybdenum or lithium grade bearing grease. Use a bearing packing tool or place some grease in the palm of your hand and work the grease into the bearing with your fingers.

    Step 4

    Place the inner bearing in the hub and tap in the new grease seal. Slide the hub into position on the axle shaft. Press the outer bearing into position in the outer race. Install the axle nut washer and axle nut. Torque the axle nut to the specified torque setting. With a castle nut, tighten the nut until it is snug, then rotate the wheel hub. Back off the castle nut until it lines up with the cotter pin hole in the shaft. Install the cotter pin.

    Step 5

    Reinstall the bearing buddies and pack the wheel hub with a grease gun loaded with the same grease used to load the bearings until the bearing buddy piston moves outward. Reinstall the wheel and tire assembly and remove the jackstands.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Keith Hoover
    • Website

    Hoover is a mechanic and he loves writing on topics related to trailer hitches. He has been in the business for many years and he has seen it all when it comes to hitches. He has seen them break, he has seen them bend, and he has even seen them completely fall off of trailers. That's why he knows the importance of having a good quality hitch. He also knows that not all hitches are created equal. Some are better than others and some are just plain junk. That's why Hoover only recommends the best hitches to his customers. He wants them to be safe on the road and he wants their trailers to be safe as well. So if you're ever in need of a good hitch, make sure you give Hoover a call. He'll hook you up with the best one for your needs.

    Related Posts

    Tips to Select the Trailer Hitch Lock

    March 19, 2023
    Read More

    Tow-able Choices: Travel Trailer vs Fifth Wheel

    January 26, 2023
    Read More

    How Do You Change Trailer Tires?

    October 29, 2022
    Read More
    Add A Comment

    Comments are closed.

    About Hitch Chronicle

    Hitch Chronicle is the go-to spot for all things related to trailer hitches. From reviews of the latest products to tips on how to get the most out of your hitch, we cover it all. Need help choosing the right hitch for your rig? We can point you in the right direction. Wondering how to install a hitch? We’ve got you covered there too. And if you’re just looking for some general information on trailer hitches, we’ve got that as well. So whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete novice, Hitch Chronicle has something for you.

    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
    • Home
    © 2023 Hitch Chronicle

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.