How to Determine What Size Wheel Bearing and Seals Will be Needed for Trailer Axle

Updated 08/14/2017 | Published 08/11/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Double Lip Seal for 3,700-lb Marine Hubs

(189)

$18.13

4" Carbon Fiber Digital Caliper

(26)

$11.93

Question:

Hi - We need to rebuild bearings on a rear axle for a 1967 boat trailer. We ordered the 2000 lb kit but the rings arent the same size. Obviously we ordered the wrong part, but we need to get the right one. The outside circumference of the rings we ordered is 2. The outside circumference of the rings we are trying to replace is 2.5. What should we order? Thank you.

asked by: Michael H

Expert Reply:

There is a couple of way to determine which wheel bearings and grease seals you will be needed for a trailer axle.

First, checking the numbers on the wheel bearings and seal will allow you to select the correct parts for your axle. However, in some cases these numbers may have worn off. For this a measurement of the inner diameter of the bearings and both inner and outer of the grease seal will be needed.

Using a digital calipers like, # PTW80157, you can measure the I.D. of both inner and outer bearings and if need the bearing and seal seating area on your trailer's spindle. Once you have this information, click on the attached link on bearings and seals. This link will take you to our product page that will display all the wheel bearings and seals we carry. Either match the bearing/seal numbers or the measurements to find the correct bearings and seals for your application.

I have attached a photo that displays the areas the will need to be measured on the bearings, hubs, and spindle.

expert reply by: Jared P