Trailer Bearing Replacement--Replace Race or Not

[Li'l Toy]

I have always believed in regularly replacing my trailer bearings. I boat in salt water and always dunk the axles. Don't always replace them regualrly, but believe in it.

Question is--replace bearings ony or bearings and races. Again, I have always done both, on the theory that any pitting on the race will damage the new bearing, and they are sort of a matched set. However, it is a bitch to drive out and replace the race.

What do others do?

[ssv1761982]

If there is pitting I would replace both. Once the bearings and cups have ran together they do become a matched set. New bearings in an old cup is not a good idea.

[challenger 77]

Change the race also . It only take a few moments. If the race is bad the bearing will not last as long.

[JP Love]

X2....For insurance trouble free...

[Li'l Toy]

Thanks guys--told me what I knew all along, just tryng to avoid driving out the race. I am searching for a great big brass drift.

[challenger 77]

Have you tried bearing buddies .I have had the same bearing in my trailer for as long as i can remember. I also dunk my trailer every time it goes in .

[MTOLLEY]

If you have a decent air compressor and an air hammer it only takes moments to drive the old ones out.I have the right tools to drive them back in using my air hammer as well, but it always makes it easier if you put the cups in the freezer before starting the job and they will just about fall in.

[Ted Stryker]

I pull my trailer bearings down pretty frequently... I clean all the old grease out of the bearings and hub then repack with new grease, reusing the old bearings and races... If there is any damage or obvious discoloring then I replace both... I've gotten somewhat good at replacing the races, like MTOLLEY mentioned the freezer is your friend upon reinstallation... It could be my imagination but is surely seems that trailer bearings don't last like they used to... My Dad who has had a bazillion boats never had a bearing failure for 30 years, and in the past 10 years I think I've had to replace at least 8 sets on boat and utility trailers...

[CKMATE225]

I think regular maintenace and a good set of bearings should last you a good long time. But you have to get good berings. They sell some really crappy chinese berings that should be outlawed but they are cheap so people buy them.
I ALWAYS replace the race with new berings. good insurance. It would probabaly be a good idea to have a spare hub assy. on long trips as well. One thats ready to slide on could be a lifesaver if its needed. I have seen some spare tire mounts that actualy have a spindle on them to hold the whole tire wheel and hub ready to go. Pretty smart.

[Riverman]

It would probably be a good idea to have a spare hub assy. on long trips as well. One that's ready to slide on could be a lifesaver if its needed. I have seen some spare tire mounts that actually have a spindle on them to hold the whole tire wheel and hub ready to go. Pretty smart.

This is the best idea I've heard in a long time. If you fail a bearing fixing it is as easy as changing a tire.

[Capt.Insane-o]

Quality of the bearings is a good thing to check, I only use Timkin, anything that comes from NAPA, Car Quest or other parts houses are crap...

[delawarerick]

Good to know Capt. I put the race in the freezer 2 hr minium heat the hub with map gas and block hit it in also have the brass setter but if it's hot enough and the bearing cold enough it will seat with one or two good hits. I always change the race. Who carries timkin bearings? Rick

[Bies]

Allied Bearing, IBT (International Bearing and Transmission)

[JohnR]

I'm going to have to check into getting my bearings from there now. The only ones I can get around here are the Chinese ones. If the old bearings look decent I reuse them rather than use the Chinese crap. Also, on the recommendation of a boat mechanic friend, I use "Green Grease" in all my trailers, even the snowmobile and ATV ones that never get dunked.

John

[BULLETRM]

Change the race also . It only take a few moments. If the race is bad the bearing will not last as long.

+1oooooo

[200VEGAS]

is the hole in the back of the axle for grease to come out{ and air} or is it to put grease in to hit the rear bearing.

[JohnR]

If you mean the hole on the back side of the spindle I was told it was to let the air or water out as you fill it from the front. When the grease comes out of there you know its full.

[mn808gade]

ANY BEARING(ball -needle -roller -or tapered) roll on TWO surfaces. on trailer axels, YES you have to replace the race!!! or youll only be dooin half the JOB. -th

[jerry]

if you have a welder lay a bead on the race half way around , when it cools the race will fall out .

[200VEGAS]

hhhmmmm
if you have a welder lay a bead on the race half way around , when it cools the race will fall out . very creative:)

[gfinch]

ANY BEARING(ball -needle -roller -or tapered) roll on TWO surfaces. on trailer axels, YES you have to replace the race!!! or youll only be dooin half the JOB. -th

Absolutely! It's called a bearing set.