Questions Re. Trailer Bearing Replacement

[Whole in the Water]

So I am trying to save some $ and replace a failed bearing on my trailer - never done it before. I have the old bearings removed and ready to install new ones.

Question I have is what size and brand should I use?

What do I measure on the spindle/axle to know what size bearings to install?

Also, where can you locally buy higher quality bearings then the cheap Asian stuff that fail in 2-3 years?

Lastly, where can you find Bearing Buddy's and Never Seize locally? Thanks for any info.

 

[Mighty Sylvan]

I go to Lordco and I take the old bearings and races with me to match up. They have bearing buddies too. For high quality stuff, maybe a trailer place. Here in Nanaimo there is a shop that is called Mid Island hitch and trailer.

 

[scott craven]

Most automotive stores will have bearing kits that include bearing,race,and dust caps.
Princess Auto have a huge selection of trailer parts
you will need to have the spindle size
I found the following very helpful

http://www.etrailer.com/faq-wheelbearingpack.aspx

 

[spring time]

make sure you use a double lip seal instead of the standard single seal

 

[albernifisher]

There is a new bearing company called "vault" totally sealled and oil filled,garanteed for somthing like 100K I'll be changeing mine over this winter and installing brakes

 

[albernifisher]

Here is a link,says they have a 10 year warranty
http://www.ufpnet.com/Portals/0/PDFs...20Brochure.pdf

 

[albernifisher]

hmmmm try this one
http://www.pacifictrailers.com/The-VAULT-Hybrid-Lubrication-System/

 

[gungadin]

Well for one reason and another I have to change my axle and hubs this winter. Never heard of "vault' before now. Here is some links to there product that I found.
http://www.ufpnet.com/Portals/0/PDFs/Trailer Buddy VAULT Axle Maintenance.pdf
http://www.ufpnet.com/Portals/0/PDFs/Trailer Buddy VAULT Axle Maintenance.pdf
http://www.ufpnet.com/Portals/0/PDFs/Trailer Buddy GOLD Axle Maintenance.pdf
http://www.ufpnet.com/Portals/0/PDFs/Trailer Buddy GOLD Axle Maintenance.pdf

Can't really tell, but it may appear that you may have to buy the complete axle assembly (or at least the spindle and sealed hub assembly) from them
It is also interesting to note that they recoomend changing the oil if it becomes milky (water intrusion)
I would prefer to deal locally, if possible. I think I will reserve judgement on these until I learn more, although the warranty sounds very good--if you don't have to wait forever to obtain it.

 

[AlK]

Never had a problem with greased axles and bearings over the last 25 years, but then I look after my stuff. A little grease is better than no oil.

 

[Halilogger]

Buddy of mine has those oil bearings, hasn't touched then in 4 years about 3000km. I kinda wish when i flipped over to disc I switched to those as well.

 

[Whole in the Water]

Thanks for the info guys - much appreciated!

 

[Fisher Down]

Slightly off topic, what do you guys use for grease? I've found that by using any NLGI GC-LB grease that's designed for the saltwater environment to be the best. This way, I can use the same grease gun on the bearings as well as the motor grease nipples.

Thanks,
F D