How Tight Should Trailer Bearings Be When Installing on a Spindle
Updated 12/15/2025 | Published 10/02/2015
Question:
Does the inner bearing need to be pressed on? The outer bearing slips on easy, but the inner bearing appears to be a bit of an interference fit ?
asked by: Steve M
Expert Reply:
Trailer bearings can fit pretty tight to the spindle, but they would not ever need to get pressed on.
They should not be so tight that you have to really pound on them to fit but they can require a little bit of effort to get them to slide onto the spindle. When installed there should be no play between the inner surface of the bearing and the spindle.
I have attached a link to a video that shows how to remove and reinstall trailer hub components you can check out.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 7K E-Z Lube Axle - 8 on 6-1/2 - Pre-Greased - 1/2" Stud
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Drum
- EZ Lube
- Pre-Greased
- 25580 / 14125A
- Standard Grade
- For 5200 lbs Axles
- For 6000 lbs Axles
- For 7000 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 8 on 6-1/2 Inch
- 16 Inch Wheel
- 16-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 17 Inch Wheel
- 17-1/2 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
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Randall M.
12/15/2025
The bearings on my boat trailer seem to be extremely hard to get on and it seems like I'm going to have to hammer them on...