How to Determine the Correct Replacement Bearings for a Boat Trailer

Updated 06/26/2012 | Published 06/24/2012

Question:

my wheel and hub came loose from trailer the bearing and grease seal were destroyed.I am not familiar with which bearing kit i need to repair this,I hope you can help.Thank You.

asked by: Walter R

Expert Reply:

The first thing I would do is take the trailer to a shop that works on trailers to determine if there is any other damage to any other component beyond the bearings and seals. Otherwise, you risk the same thing happening again.

To determine what bearings you need as replacements, pull the hub from the other side and get the inner and outer bearing numbers stamped into the metal of the bearings. I have included a link to a video that might help.

I would replace the bearing sets on both sides anyway just to be on the safe side. Make sure the spindles, especially on the damaged side, are in good working order, not bent, and that no remnants of the old bearing are welded to the spindle for excessive heat during the failure.

expert reply by: Michael H