Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Wheel Bearing Races

Posted by MW on 09/05/09 - 2:28 PM
#1

I took the races out of the trailer wheel hub's myself because, I really wanted to learn how to replace the bearings with the new bearing kit ( I've never done this before). I tapped out the races but, I left very slight marks from the screw diver on the hub. Should I lightly sand the hub down before pressing in the new races, or just press in the new races ?

Thank's !

Posted by whalerman on 09/05/09 - 2:56 PM
#2

Hi, depends on how deep the scatches are. If you sand them be carefull to not get the bore out of round, just sand them enough to take any sharp edges down. When done Flush out the hub very, very,very well before rebuilding. Get a piece of brass bar stock from a machine shop to use as a punch, not a screw driver. A piece about 1/2" thick 3/4"wide and about 12" long, probbly sold by the foot anyway. The brass bar is "softer" than the hub or race and won't marr them. Also check the races you took out for any scatches. Make sure that you seat the races all the way to thier stops, VERY IMPORTANT you do this. Clean the hubs again as there might be some brass chips in there, compressed air, use eye protection, will do. Use a good quality trailer bearing grease, usually they are the water proof kind of grease and the one you want also. Always use new seals and cotterpin when doing the bearings. Good luck

Posted by MW on 09/06/09 - 2:02 AM
#3

Thank's Whalerman, Now I know what to do. I'm "on" it !

Posted by captaincurt on 09/06/09 - 5:46 AM
#4

Remember to be sure to thoroughly grease bearings before installing . And seat them by really tightening wheel and backing off then adjust for spin . Just a little area of no grease will burn those little needle bearings quick . Just my input ,Its easy.

Posted by MW on 09/07/09 - 7:03 AM
#5

Thank's Cap ! Will do.

Posted by CES on 09/07/09 - 2:11 PM
#6

Scratches in the hub are irrelevant as the bearings roll on the races, not the hub itself. Once the races are installed, the scratches in the hub will be invisible to the bearings.