Bad Wheel Bearings or Flat Tires?

[Old_Coot]

[font "Times New Roman"] [/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]Over the years of fishing from a boat, I believe that I have personally witnessed people having a lot more problems with bad wheel bearings than flat tires. So, I got wondering, "wouldn't it be just as important (if not more important) to have a spare hub and bearings as it is to have a spare tire for my boat trailer?".[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]I mentioned that question to my good friend Randy (N.E.T.O.) and his reply was "Yes … in fact, I myself carry a spare hub assembly in my truck just for that very reason."[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]Now, Randy being an X grease monkey, and having repaired many a wheel bearing, I really respect his opinion on this kind of stuff. And so I decided to go ahead and put together a spare wheel bearing kit for myself.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]Now, the kit I put together is only for my boat trailer hubs. I'm not putting one together for my utility trailer. Boat trailers being submersed in water so often are very susceptible to getting water in the bearings. If the water itself isn’t bad enough, then the rust and corrosion from sitting long periods of time, is catastrophic on wheel bearings. I've seen it over and over. Utility trailers, on the other hand, if serviced properly and timely, shouldn't have one tenth the problems boat trailer bearings have.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]So here is a list of the things I put in my kit … and why:[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]1. A spare hub assembly. The hub has both races already pressed in it and that is all … no grease, no bearings, no seal ... nothing. Just the clean dry hub. It is in a plastic bag to KEEP it clean.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]2. A zip-lock baggie with spare cotter pins, two new seals (only need one but I have messed up plenty of them when I shouldn't have), and even a couple spare races (even though I shouldn't need them since the hub already has the races installed). The baggie also has a few spare washers although, they shouldn't be necessary either.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]3. A zip-lock baggie with two sets of bearings. The bearings are already pre-packed by hand with marine grease so that you don't have to do the messy job of packing them while stranded on the side of the road.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]4. A hard plastic mallet to tap off the wheel bearing cap or the Bearing Buddy cap. Also used to tap in the seal.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]5. Two blocks of wood. One to stand the hub on while you use the other one to gently tap in the seal. Also to assist in tapping the Bearing Buddy cap back on.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]6. A 14 oz. can of marine wheel bearing grease. This is used to pack a good amount of grease in the hub cavity and around the bearings (even though the bearings have been pre-packed).[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]7. A 12" adjustable Crescent wrench to use on the castle nut. You shouldn't (but may) have to use it to get the castle nut off. But you will want it to snug the nut back on when done and then back it off. Personally, even though I could, I wouldn't want to work that nut with just my fingers or even a pair of pliers for that matter.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]8. A pair of side-cut diagonal cutters ("dikes") to work with the cotter pins.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]9. A pair of regular pliers to pull the old cotter pin out.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]10. A mini grease gun and mini cartridge of grease to pump into the Bearing Buddy once everything is put back together.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]11. A couple pairs of 7 mil. disposable mechanic's gloves to keep your hands clean during this messy project. Wouldn't want to transfer any of that nasty grease onto your nice leather steering wheel.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]12. Some disposable rags. I tried to fit in a small role of paper towels but there wasn't quite enough room in the tool box.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]13. A small garbage bag to put all my trash and greasy rags in when I'm done.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]14. I also wanted to fit in some knee pads but they wouldn't fit either so I will just settle for some kneeling pads that I carry in my truck for changing tires.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]Here are the things that I already carry in my truck for changing tires that I would also need for road-side hub replacement:[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]-- A jack[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]-- A breaker bar with a high-impact extension and sockets that fit both my truck and my boat lug nuts. [/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]-- A lug wrench that fits the trailer lug nuts as well as the truck lug nuts[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]-- A 2' x 2' soft spongy kneeling pad[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]You are probably rolling your eyes at me and my anal overthinking. But I have often wondered what I would do if I got stranded way out in the Wyoming desert on the way to the Gorge. Now I don't need to wonder where I would get parts and supplies. They'll be in that little red plastic tool box.[/size][/#800000][/font]


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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]I'm also pretty picky about keeping my wheel bearings serviced anyway so hopefully I won't ever need to open that little red tool box.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]I really didn't have the time and money to just go out and buy all the parts for the kit. I did it a little at a time over the years … an old pair of pliers here, and mallet from Harbor Freight there, grease gun on sale at checkers, etc. I finally finished it last night after buying the tool box from Walmart for 8 bucks.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]One of the first parts I got for the kit was the spare hub. Once I had it, I figured I was good to go. Oh no, the more you think about it, the more you realize that you have to have this or that or the other or you just would NOT be able to use it as a spare.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]Anyway, that's my spare wheel hub kit project. Can you think of anything I might have missed? Hope not ... not much more room in the box.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]Do any of you guys/gals carry a spare hub kit for your trailer?[/size][/#800000][/font]

[font "Comic Sans MS"][#ff0000][size 4]Edit: Here is a link to a story I am trying to prevent:[/size][/#ff0000][/font]

[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=493671"]http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=493671[/url][#0000bf][size 4]


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[albinotrout]

Nice to have the list of actual supplies. I carry a small tool bag with me for the boat and contemplated putting some bearings and seals into it. Now I see a few more items to possibly put in too.
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[wiperhunter2]

Well it looks like you have it covered except for an axle. I don't know how many times I've seen boat trailers on the side of the road, as often as not when I've talked to those that have wheel problems on their boat trailers the bearing has galled the axle so bad, that they end up replacing the axle. On the likely hood, that the maintenance you do on your boat trailer keeps you from having that problem, might I suggest one thing that will make that job easier when changing the hub. Why don't you just put the bearing in the hub with the seal holding it in place on the inboard side and duct tape holding the bearing in place on the outboard side. Putting in the seal at home would be easier to do than on the side of the road, then if you have the problem on the side of the road, it would be so much easier. Easy Peasey[].
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[Old_Coot]

Good question Curt ... and I actually considered that. But the reason that I don't, is because I was thinking that there would be a bunch of grease getting loose and on the outside of the spare hub. But now that I think of it, I guess that wouldn't happen if I don't load it up with grease until the time of installation. I just may do that. Thanks for the good idea Curt!
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[wiperhunter2]

Especially if you have the hud in a plastic bag[].
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[albinotrout]

I did have a wheel disintegrate on me in the past. All that was left was what was attached to the hub. Had to buy new spare tire and rim.
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[BearLakeFishGuy]

Coot,
I carry a spare hub and was going to suggest putting in the inside bearing and seal and then I read down through the other posts and saw that Curt had already suggest just that! It is the only way to go. I had to replace a bearing and it was much easier to just swap out the hub with the inside seal and bearing in place than trying to swap out a bearing on the old, messy hub. Once I got home I removed the problem bearing and race and turned my old hub into the "spare" hub. You really don't want to be trying to tap in grease seals when the wind/sand is blowing out in WY. Just stick the new hub in place and put in the outer bearing, nut, and pin and you are good to go. I wrap my hub in an old piece of cotton, pre-WD40'ed T-shirt and then put it in the zip lock bag. That way the rough corners of the hub won't cut through the zip lock bag. I have about the same set up as you, except I use channel-lock pliers to remove my bearing buddy instead of a mallet/screw driver.
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[albinotrout]

Just curious, where does one get a spare hub from?
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[Lundman]

Great thread Coot - the only thing that I might add is a flat file - sometimes the axle get a ding or gouge or I've even seem where the new bearing will not fit on the axle. Use the file to smooth & remove metal on the axle so the seal & new bearing go on as expected. Just my 2 cents.
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[curt69]

Any place that sells trailer parts . State trailer supply has them . I bought mine on ebay .
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[albinotrout]

Thanks!
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[Old_Coot]

[quote albinotrout]Just curious, where does one get a spare hub from?[/quote]

Henderson Wheel and Rim (or I think they changed their name to Henderson auto parts). They are the go to place in the Ogden area for those kind of parts.
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[Old_Coot]

[quote BearLakeFishGuy] ... suggest putting in the inside bearing and seal ... It is the only way to go. I had to replace a bearing and it was much easier to just swap out the hub with the inside seal and bearing in place than trying to swap out a bearing on the old, messy hub. ... You really don't want to be trying to tap in grease seals when the wind/sand is blowing out in WY. Just stick the new hub in place and put in the outer bearing, nut, and pin and you are good to go. I use channel-lock pliers to remove my bearing buddy instead of a mallet/screw driver.[/quote]

Excellent advice Scott. Thanks.
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[Old_Coot]

Now, I have just got to ask ...

How many of you guys do actually carry spare hub assemblies? Sounds like guys having a spare hub assembly with them is more common that I thought.

Do you?
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[albinotrout]

I don't have an extra hub assembly and I believe it a good idea to have one especially if traveling long distances. Now to see about getting one.
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[curt69]

On ebay you can get a 1" or a 1 1/16" complete hub kit for $35.00 and free shipping .
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[wiperhunter2]

That sounds like a great deal but when you buy one on Ebay does it tell you what the wheel pattern is, so that you know your wheel will fit, or are they pretty much standard patterns?

Old_Coot- On my old boat, I had an extra set of bearing and a tube of grease but no hub. I haven't thought about it on this new boat but I have taken apart the wheel bearing and inspected the bearing then repacked it. Not that it can't happen but I feel that as long as I keep the bearing packed and the bearing buddies full of grease there is less chance of having a problem.
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[curt69]

Most all 5 lug trailers have the same bolt pattern . 4 1/2" bolt pattern . Not all . Home made trailers could have different bolt patterns also . I own 4 trailers two boat and two utility trailers . All have bearing buddys and I have not lost 1 bearing since installing them .
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[wiperhunter2]

Good info to know Curt, thanks for the info.
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[wolfs4evr]

I feel as though I am a subject matter expert on this...

The nightmare happened to me back in March and I was highly unprepared to handle it.

I feel as though I am 100% prepared now!

Amazon and Harbor Freight are your friends and spending some $$ now verse when it happens (it will happen someday to pretty much everyone) is highly worth it!

[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=922511#922511"]http://www.bigfishtackle.com/...i?post=922511#922511[/url]

After it was all a done deal and behind me I never took a picture of the kit I assembled but I feel I have just about everything on hand now. It is at least 3 times bigger than what you have pictured above. I spent just about $100 bucks at Harbor Freight for tools (I didn't want to raid the garage tools) and a nice canvas tool bag to put them all in.

Well less than $100 on Amazon for spare this and thats all related to wheel bearings.

Items I don't see mentioned above...

Pipe wrench. It saved the day. The inner bearing had spun on the spindle/spindle was slightly chewed and I couldn't get it off. The pipe wrench had enough grip on the super hard metal race since it had some chew marks on it to be able to grip/spin the race and work it off.

File... Damage on the spindle one needs a file to clean it to be able to slide new bearings on.

Punch/chisel. I used several different sized punches to get the old races out of the hub. I used several different sized chisels to remove some metal on the spindle from the chewed up areas before hitting them with a file for a final clean.

Baling wire, zip ties, duck tape, electrical tape, simple metal saw blade/handle, chunk of 2x4, old house door mat to kneel on, cleaner/solvent, rags, small pry bar, a decent rubber mallet, small flat faced sledge hammer for tapping in races/seals if needed/one doesn't have a spare hub and has to re-do the bearings like I ended up doing, etc.

There is more to a serious road side wheel bearing repair than what one would think... Knowing which tools saved the day and which ones I wish I had after the wife arrived at the lake with my "initial tool request" made my list pretty long for a emergency kit.

You really have to look it all over and go through what if I see this, do I have a tool to handle it with me?

Think along the line... What if all is chewed up and the spindle nut is destroyed (I was able to re-use mine to get home but it was in baaaad shaped). The washer that goes between the spindle nut and outer bearing was destroyed and I drove home without it.

I have spare ones now... I have spare every single thing now. Cotter keys, seals, spindle nut/washer, ez lube grease caps, etc. I also have 2 spare hubs. Complete and ready to go! One in the back of the truck and one that dupes as the spare tire holder. Maybe overkill but I don't want to go through what happened again. I was semi "lucky" that it wasn't on the freeway side, I was at the closest possible place to fish from my house, it was during the day, etc. Being 300-500 miles away from home I would of been suckin'!

Last but not least... I have boat insurance. I never/hardly ever review stuff so didn't have a clue/remember what it covered. Once home I looked it over online and I had up to $600 worth of towing on it. Either on land or on the water. Good to know now. At the time if I had known I would of just had it towed home and taken care of it in the comfort of my garage with the right tools on hand. But on the flip side I know what is needed to handle it road side...
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