trailer bearing help

[Bassin-Yakin]

Headed to the lake today I noticed that my wheel was smoking... pulled over and the bearings were blown...

I limped home and everything had fallen out or melted out, the only thing left was the wheel, hub, and nut on the end of the spindle....

I no absolutely nothing about trailers, wheels, etc, but I have repacked bearings before... I see I can get a kit for new bearings, does this have all I need? Also, what order do they go on the spindle? Anyone have a diagram of the parts.

This is an older trailer,no brakes. Thanks for the help

[FD.]

[fishfordollars]

Headed to the lake today I noticed that my wheel was smoking... pulled over and the bearings were blown...

I limped home and everything had fallen out or melted out, the only thing left was the wheel, hub, and nut on the end of the spindle....

I no absolutely nothing about trailers, wheels, etc, but I have repacked bearings before... I see I can get a kit for new bearings, does this have all I need? Also, what order do they go on the spindle? Anyone have a diagram of the parts.

This is an older trailer,no brakes. Thanks for the help

You will probably be better off getting it done and watch them. this is no area to be fooling around. You better take a close look at the spindle to see if it is ok, if not replace it or the entire axle.

If you try you will need this:

Rear seal

Inner & outer races

Inner & outer bearings

Washer

Cotter pin

New hub

Nut

Dust cap or Bearing Buddy

Grease

Good luck

[Bassin-Yakin]

what should I look for on the spindle?  Also, why would I need a new hub? 

Think someone would come to my house to look at it?  I obviously cant take it anywhere....

[Mike D.]

look for scarring or grooves on the spindle.the hubs can sometimes get boogered up its not bad to go with new.where do you live?

[fishfordollars]

what should I look for on the spindle? Also, why would I need a new hub?

Think someone would come to my house to look at it? I obviously cant take it anywhere....

Heat damage

Melted metal in the area where the races fit on the spindle

Flat spots

Hub can be damaged if the races spin in the seats. You may not even be able to remove the races. Don't even think about fixing it without replacing the races. They need to be pressed out and in to install correctly. Or you can remove/replace them with a brass punch. Don't use a metal punch to remove/replace, it will cause the metal to swell creating an uneven surface(High spots) for the bearings to run on.

FYI, you can buy hubs with the bearings installed ready to slide on the spindle for around 40.00 a pop from a parts house, trailer store, Lowes, etc., but you better be sure your spindle is in good shape or you are just looking at the problem all over again.

If you are going to run a boat you best learn how to do some of your own upkeep or at least pay someone to check and pack the bearings every year or so. It's not that hard. Surely you have a friend/fisherman in the know that can educate you on proper trailer care.

[senile1]

what should I look for on the spindle? Also, why would I need a new hub?

Think someone would come to my house to look at it? I obviously cant take it anywhere....

Call a tow truck and take it to a shop. Don't drive it anymore than you already have. I don't know how far you drove it in this condition but it doesn't take long to build up an extreme amount of heat. I'll bet your hub is shot to hell from your description. Pray that your spindle is good if it is an old trailer. I'm not sure how easy it will be to get parts for that. Good luck.

[stoney723]

Where do you live? I am sure that one of the fine folks on this site would be willing to help/teach you regarding this repair (including me if you're near).

[rboat]

Clean the spindle and inspect it. It should be as smooth as a babys rear, no grooves or nicks or anything. If it is ok, buy a new hub. It is easier and not much more money and you won't have to mess with all the races and bearings and small parts. Just be sure to get the right one. Some spindles are tapered requiring different inner and outer size bearings in the hub. Some spindles are straight. Get the right size, slap it on make sure it is greased, and go fishin.

[Nick]

So did you get it fixed?

Actually, if you have boat insurance, you may have coverage for free towing to a shop that can fix your bearing. Do not attempt this yourself.  I blew a bearing last weekend too. Don't feel bad as this can happen to those of us who don't pay attention to the details. I should know better.  Been driving trailered bass boats for 40 years!