jandpc4176
Las Vegas
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Just wondering if there are some gear heads out there that re-pack/replace their axle bearings on a regular basis?
I've got a WW FK1900 and wanted to know what tool is best for tapping the races in, and what are some of the greases that folks use out there. Synthetic? Amsoil?
Thanks for the info,
Jon
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Capt Skup
Southern Maryland/Nantucket
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Joined: 05/14/2004
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Don't know if the WW is any different than any other trailer but I have been cleaning and repacking axle bearings on my own trailers for years, rv, boat, utility. Not much difference between the three. I would say as long as you are mechanically inclinated, know how to safely lift and support the trailer's weight, know the proper type and size axle seal, you should be able to carry out the task with ease. Maybe not need to remind you but gasoline is not a safe cleaning fluid. I like to use kerosene, sometimes diesel. I break down the assembly, being careful not to get any grease on brake components. Submerge the bearings(inner and outer) in the cleaning solvent, let them soak for a spell. I rarely need to replace the bearings and races due to the fact I do the repack usually annually, especially if trailer racks up lot of miles. I clean and inspect the races, looking for burning, stress cracks, scratching. If they and the bearings look good, I repack and reinstall. I prefer the synthetic grease available from Mobil1. I clean the axle shaft, lightly greasing it to prevent the seal lip from being damaged. I clean the bearings, inspecting them closely, let them air dry(NEVER spin them dry with compressed air!). I now use a bearing repacker that I bought for a few dollars, it does a very good job and saves me time and grease. If I have to drive out the races, I use a socket that fits the exposed edges and gently tap them out, same way I do to reseat new ones. Might be a special tool, but I don't have one. I reassemble, while spinning the drum I tighten the nut, and using a torque wrench, tighten to specs. Almost forgot, I use a can of spray brake cleaner to wash down the brake components, ensuring I did not contaminate anything with grease. Also don't forget to use the locking device to prevent axle nut loosening.
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jandpc4176
Las Vegas
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Great info! I'll definitely look at getting a bearing repacker and the mobile 1 synthetic.
Thanks again sounds like it's pretty easy. Hopefully the manual will list the torque for the axle nut.
Jon
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mapguy
Puget Sound
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This Lisle Corporation bearing packer is a great time saver during wheel bearing service. About $25 or so and if you put it in a gallon ziplock bag it is clean for the next usage....
Link
Yeah, I can still do it by hand the "old fashion way" but this tool does it just as well in seconds instead of 5-6 minutes a bearing to do it right the "old fashion way".
Map Guy
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smkettner
Southern California
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jandpc4176 wrote:Great info! I'll definitely look at getting a bearing repacker and the mobile 1 synthetic.
Thanks again sounds like it's pretty easy. Hopefully the manual will list the torque for the axle nut.
Jon
Mobil 1 and the hand packing tool is available at Pep Boys or your local autostore. That is what I use.
The spindle nut should be tightened just past finger tight, I use hand pliers. Spin the drum to check that all spins smoothly. Then back off the nut to the next spot to insert the retaining pin. If by chance it lines up when tight you need to back it off to the next slot. The spindle nut is not actually tight but needs to allow a small freeplay for the bearings to move and expand while in service.
http://www.etrailer.com/c-bearings.htm
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mapguy
Puget Sound
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jandpc4176 wrote:Just wondering if there are some gear heads out there that re-pack/replace their axle bearings on a regular basis?
Jon
Every spring before any road trips. This way I know the bearings are servicable and lubed before hitting the backcounty. Try buying wheel bearings for a trailer in Ukiah, Oregon.......or Pierce, Idaho...... or name your own remote one hitching post town......
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Justardnck
Loxahatchee, FL
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I repack the bearings with one of these, they can be bought for $25 on Amazon
I repack all the bearings with good Kendal grease about once every 2 years unless I use them heavy. I do tighten the bearings once per year. If you do need to replace the races I suggest using a brass punch found at Sears.
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mapguy
Puget Sound
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Justardnck wrote:If you do need to replace the races I suggest using a brass punch found at Sears.
Old timers taught me to use a mild steel drift to install races or press with proper sized press plate
Brass or bronze drift can leave deposits on the race causing early bearing failure.
Standard hardened steel drift can crack or mar the bearing race (hardened steel against hardened alloy)
Just my less than 2 cents worth.....
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N-Trouble
California
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Joined: 12/02/2005
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I think the yearly wheel re-pack is somewhat overkill. I took my 04 FK1900 into a local service center this summer to have the bearing repacked for the first time and they said they still looked like they were in good shape.
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jandpc4176
Las Vegas
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Awsome! Thanks for the good words on the bearings.
I'll get one of those bearing packers and some Mobile 1.
Again, thanks for the info.
jon
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