04-30-2015, 01:35 AM
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4][inline Kit-Spread-Out-444.jpg][/size][/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]9. A pair of regular pliers to pull the old cotter pin out.[/size][/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4][inline Filled-Open-444.jpg][/size][/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]-- A jack[/size][/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[inline Closed-444.jpg]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[signature][/size][/#0000bf]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4][inline Kit-Spread-Out-444.jpg][/size][/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]9. A pair of regular pliers to pull the old cotter pin out.[/size][/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4][inline Filled-Open-444.jpg][/size][/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]-- A jack[/size][/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[inline Closed-444.jpg]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4] [/size][/#800000][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]
[/size][/#800000][/font]
[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]
[signature][/size][/#0000bf]