Wheel bearings in a Trailex?
08-19-2008, 12:47 PM
#1
Addicted Specialist
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Wheel bearings in a Trailex?
Sorry for the newbie question here, but I am still early on the learning curve with this "trailering" thing...
So from what I understand, in terms of regular maintenance my open trailex (w/surge brakes) should have its wheel bearings repacked. What do I need to know or buy before I take the bottle jack to it? Is it a straightforward and self-explanatory task? TIA, all!!
Edward
So from what I understand, in terms of regular maintenance my open trailex (w/surge brakes) should have its wheel bearings repacked. What do I need to know or buy before I take the bottle jack to it? Is it a straightforward and self-explanatory task? TIA, all!!
Edward
08-19-2008, 01:12 PM
#2
Burning Brakes
They are pretty simple. You can also buy a cap that goes on the outside that has a greese fitting on it so you can just put a couple of squirts in and then take them apart once a year and repack them. Just be sure not to tighten the nut up to tight or it will lock up the bearing.
08-19-2008, 01:29 PM
#3
Race Director
They are pretty simple. You can also buy a cap that goes on the outside that has a greese fitting on it so you can just put a couple of squirts in and then take them apart once a year and repack them. Just be sure not to tighten the nut up to tight or it will lock up the bearing.
- It is easy to inject too much grease in the bearings which can blow out the seals and potentially contaminate the brakes
- Bearing Buddies only grease the outer seals - not the inner ones
08-19-2008, 04:25 PM
#4
Rennlist Member
Yeah, for the sake of doing it right I would forgo dumping new grease on top of old/dirty stuff. Do they sell a better castle nut for those axles? It seemed on one I just helped with that there just wasn't a good spot for the cotter pin, either the nut too tight or too loose. Or maybe there is more than one set of holes?
08-19-2008, 05:08 PM
#5
Rennlist Member
Try one of these it makes it a lot easier.
http://www.autobarn.net/hanpacbearpa.html
You can probably pick one up at your local auto parts store.
+1 on not over tightening. You may want to use your torque wrench to see where it breaks loose, this will give you some idea on how tight to snug it up. But be sure to get all of the play out.
http://www.autobarn.net/hanpacbearpa.html
You can probably pick one up at your local auto parts store.
+1 on not over tightening. You may want to use your torque wrench to see where it breaks loose, this will give you some idea on how tight to snug it up. But be sure to get all of the play out.
08-20-2008, 09:18 AM
#7
NASA Racer
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
yeah, when Gary and I repacked one of mine this weekend we found that it either had to be really loose or pretty tight in order to get the cotter pin in. We repacked it because the castle nut was very loose and the wheel had too much play and was wearing an irregular pattern on the tire. Has anyone else found this loose/tight issue?
