Availability Of BT 15118 And Timken 09074 Bearings For A 1950s Boat Trailer

Updated 04/11/2024 | Published 03/22/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Grease Seal - Double Lip - ID 1.719" / OD 2.565" - for 3,500-lb Axles

(2869)

$9.69

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension w Idler Hubs - Standard Duty - No Drop - 5 on 4-1/2 - 3,500 lbs

(116)

$1215.32

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44649

(2189)

$23.90

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L68149

(2189)

$19.67

Question:

I am working on a 1950s boat trailer and need to replace the bearings and races. The inner bearing is Bower BT 15118, 1-3/16 in. i.d. The race o.d. is about 2.488. The outer is a Timken 09074, 3/4 in. i.d. The outer race dimension is about 1.925. The grease seals are Allis 5013 29772 and I see from a previous question answered you didnt have those but I thought Id mention it if somethings changed since then. Thanks!

asked by: JOHN D

Helpful Expert Reply:

Hey John, I am afraid that the info in that previous question you read is still going to hold true. The BT 15118 and 09074 bearing sizes are obsolete and are no longer readily available. Nor are there any suitable substitutes that we can offer. At this point I would have to recommend replacing the axle entirely since a new axle would use common bearing sizes and you will have no problem getting the right bearings, races and such.

An option that we often recommend for older trailers is the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System part # A35RS545. This is basically a universal axle that bolts directly to the frame of the trailer and is rated for 3,500 lbs. This axle will use the standard 3,500 lb axle bearing sizes # L68149 inner and # L44649 outer bearing.

We also deal with round tube leaf spring axles which are a potential option. If you can tell me the hub face length and weight capacity of the current axle I am happy to take a look and see what your options are.

expert reply by: Jesse M

John D.

3/22/2024

Thank you Jesse; I was starting to suspect as much. I'll study the axle option you suggested.

Jim

4/11/2024

@JohnD. I've been in the parts biz for 47 years now so Id like to help if its not too late. I came across this post while working on a hub a customer dropped off to me this morning. Said it was off a homebuilt trailer from the 50's. He wanted to replace bearings and seals. The bearings and races are the same as yours. BT became BR decades ago if i remember correctly. The seal is different dimensionally than yours. SKF part #s for your bearing/races are... BR15118 and BR15250 for the inner. BR09074 and BR09194 for the outer. I verified these dimensionally. These are readily available, I have 2 of each coming from a nearby store in the next few hours. As far as your seal goes, I could not find a cross or dimensional info that I trust. I did find a few but they conflict. And accuracy counts. Take it to a parts store and find someone behind the counter that can use a set of calipers and a specifications catalog. If they pull out a ruler or tape measure youre in the wrong place. If possible get an ACCURATE measurement, with calipers or micrometer, of the spindle diameter where the seal rides and take it with you. Hope that helps. Good luck!