How tight should the nut on a trailer hub be?

[MuskieJunkie]

As part of my usual spring get the boat ready tasks I jacked up my trailer and spun the wheels to see if the bearings were making noise. One of them had some play left to right, when I took the bearing cap and cotter pin off the nut was very loose which suprised me. So I tightened it down (lightly) then put everything back to together and it solved the issue.

How tight are you supposed to go on those? Is there a torque spec for it? Should the wheel spin freely like a bicycle wheel or is it OK to tighten it enough that the wheel only spins a couple revolutions when spun by hand? Thanks for the help.

It's a 2001 shorelander tournement trailer for a 1750 boat if that gives you a better idea of what we're talking about.

[Jim Almquist]

Here is a great thread with all the info you are looking for and pictures.

Wheel Bearing Re-Packing

[MuskieJunkie]

Thanks for the link.

So crank it down pretty hard then back off, I'm assuming make sure there is no play side to side. Anyone other thoughts?

[Jim Almquist]

That is all I do. Tight with no slop and it spins.

[MuskieJunkie]

Cool, thanks. If a bearing goes out on me and ruins my fishing trip I'm blaming it on you Jim!

I kid I kid.

[Jim Almquist]

I know what you mean. After I repack the bearings and install new seals I always have to check the hubs to make sure they are nice and cool. Once I get a couple of trips out of the way the nervousness goes away. Not a big fan of replacing bearings by the side of the road

[reinhard1]

i have never replaced any bearings in any boat i have ever owened. now maby i'm lucky but i make sure i keep the bearings greased and check after every trip and i have had bearing buddies. i check the bearings for heat usualy if i make a longer trip and stop halfway up for gas. always fine. am i lucky or am i looking for trouble. good luck.

[gixxer01]

I've always been told as tight as you can get it, then back it out a quarter turn.