Turbohobo has a post in tech help on bearing replacement. IT really is a simple job, & no you don't need a bearing_packer. Since a short video is worth 10,000 words here are a few You-Tube clips that show the process.
I just pulled the wheels off the trailer that I brought my 5.7 home with last fall. We didn't have time to inspect the bearings when I bought it, hell the wheel turned freely, & didn't build up heat after 20 miles, so we drove on. Upon inspection last week, I'm amazed we made it, the races are pitted/rusted & one bearing set is full of rust, & quite stiff. This would not have held together for a long drive.
The bearing sets are only about $12, so save yourself some grief & check them BEFORE you head out.
One tip that nobody in the videos seems to use, bearing work is dirty work, buy some nitrile/latex gloves, they are only $10 for 100, & cleanup is a 5 second job as opposed to scrubbing your fingernails for 3 days. I would also use a scrap of hardwood to reset the races & seals, it is easy to get them started crooked using a screwdriver. The worst part of the job is removal & re installation of the races. They are a tight fit, just keep working around the perimeter. Application of heat to the hub using a propane soldering torch can work wonders. If they fit loose, your hub needs to be replaced, much more $$ than a bearing job. If you use the old race to seat the new one, it is easy to drive in the old one & not be able to pull it out. If this happens simply flip the hub over & using your drift,( or screwdriver) gently tap as if you are trying to remove the NEW race. This will push the old one out. You will have to support the hub between two blocks, so as to leave the center portion open, otherwise you will never get the race out. Note the video guys are using carpenters hammers, you really should use a ball peen. It is far easier to clean & repack the bearings every season, especially the salt water guys, & thereby never have to deal with the races. Clean & pack both wheels will only take an hour.
Removal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGDb83odXhU&NR=1
Race Removal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k2T79nHXgw
Packing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agxjGtmHV_4&feature=related
Text version Replacing trailer bearings:
http://www.etrailer.com/faq-wheelbearingpack.aspx
There are many other good videos on this subject, not worth documenting my own.
edited by: Edchris177, Mar 01, 2010 - 03:43 PM
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