How to Determine Replacement Bearings for a Trailer When Numbers Can't be Read

Published 07/02/2015

Question:

I have an old homemade trailer that I need to replace the wheel bearings, race, and seal on. I can easily read the parts number on the trace but nothing else. Can a parts house such as Advanced Auto or OReilys use the trace number and cross reference it to find bearing and seal needed? My Dad said it looks like an old front axle from a 1940s Oldsmobile was used when trailer was built.

asked by: Buddy

Expert Reply:

Without standard bearing numbers you can still determine what would most likely work based on dimensions of the spindle. You will need to get exact dimensions where the bearings and grease seal ride and we can from there determine what spindle you have. You will want to use a digital or dial caliper.

I attached a picture that shows where to measure.

expert reply by: Jameson C