how loose can my wheel bearings be?

[mrpike1973]

hi, i checked my bearings on my boat trailer. they move side to side pulling toward me some. how much is to much on one wheel if i tighten the nut down and back it off a 1/4 its to loose if i leave it too tight it gets really hot. so i leave it a little loose. i would say there is about a 1/4 inch of play. ok or bad thanks. i did read the forum on bearings but didnt see any thing that pertained to this

[tomfromblaine]

any lateral (in and out) play is to much. when you say your backing it off a 1/4 do you mean a 1/4 turn? while your backing off a 1/4 will the cotter pin holes line up before you you reach a 1/4 turn? Check real good because sometimes there are 2 sets of cotter pin holes, usually 1 set is verticle and the other set of holes are horizontal.

If that does not take care of the problem you may have to experiment with a thin washer or 2 under the nut to get the holes to line up but usually you shouldn't have to.

Hope this helps

[Tom7227]

I can't say that I ever tried but having it too tight resulting in getting really hot seems a bit odd. I usually try to spin the wheel and make sure that it rotates freely and doesn't make any noise or wobble. Maybe you need to check and make sure that when you repacked the bearings you got grease all the way through all the way around. Just suggesting.

[mrpike1973]

yes i'm backing it out 1/4 turn to line it up to the hole for the cotter key. if i dont go enough i can hardly turn the wheel. when i back the nut off to the next line up between the castle nut and cotter hole its loose. i'll try a washer but wont that make the wheel come to far out. your question #1 yes # 2 no thanks for the help i rechecked the packing i'm pretty sure i got them full of grease.

[Surface Tension]

There shouldn't be any play. If you have to tighten the castle nut to the point of getting rid of any play makes the bearings get hot something is not right. You should have a washer between the nut and bearing.

Are these the correct bearings or are they worn out?

[mrpike1973]

hi i have a washer between the nut and bearing. these are brand new and the same number on the bearings as the old ones

[gregg52]

personally i'd have someoone that knew excatly what was going on fix it

cheaper than being broke down cuz you aint going no where if it siezes up

good way to ruin a day on the lake

trying to save 50$$ will cost 2-300$$$$$$$$

i learned the hard way..lol

[Ed Carlson]

Bearings and seal kits are cheap, hubs, suspension components, and frame straitening..not so cheap. So to me...it sounds like it's a good time to replace the bearings and seals.

[mrpike1973]

hello all, update here i took them all apart repacked them new seals etc. i was wrong there is no washer between the castle nut and bearing is this bad the trailer was done this way i paid $80 at a good dealer to repack them i just took them off. to make sure there was no problem and grease was getting to the back bearings. they looked great no pitting, water scoring, etc there is very little end play now i can hardly move the wheel in and out. thanks for the help i think their ok?

[Surface Tension]

There shouldn't be any end play. The bearings need to ride completely into the races. If there is play they are not set into the races and the bearing will fail. Never mind where the castle nut and the hole in the spindle line up for now. Can you tighten the castle nut to the point there is no end play and the wheel spins freely? Use a channel lock, tighten to a snug fit.

Spin the wheel it should be a little tight. Loosen a hair and spin. It should spin nicely and there should be no end play. If you can't get to this point something isn't right.

If the bearings and races are correct for your hub and axle then you should be able to get to the point of no play and not overtightened. Now get the thrust washer and you'll be able to get the pin in without having to loosen up the castle nut so far.

[BobT]

Surface Tension is correct.

[mrpike1973]

hi all, thanks surface tension i bought the washers and brought the hub in to a trailer place. where the bearing race sits is gouged out you are correct something wasnt correct. when i tightened the nut down it was grinding the race into the out of round hub. i bought a new hub assembly all pre lubed put it on no play, spins freely works great. all you guys saved me alot of trouble down the road.

THANK YOU ALL FELLOW FMER'S

[Surface Tension]

Good deal and just in time for the weekend.

[Jeremy airjer W]

What happened to a little loose is better than to tight?

[bbqhead]

Got to agree with Airjer on this one.

randy

[Hookmaster]

I always leave some play in mine rather than being tight.

[jeffreyd]

dad always told me tighter is better. however this is dependent on what you are doing. I always tighten the nut down and then while spinning the wheel loosen one flat at a time until there is no drag on the wheel but also not play in the bearing.

[Surface Tension]

A little play or too tight are both bad. Play in your bearings means they get hammered going down the road.

Why not get them just right it, Its not like its rocket science.

[harvey lee]

I agree Frank, get them right and they will serve one well. Not that tough.