Wheel bearing maintenance

[Jtholland757@att.net]

Cleaned and inspected brakes, hubs, and bearings. Everything still in good shape after 32 years. Repacked bearings with Mystik jt-6 #2 as per Dexter rep at Oklahoma plant. Used National 413470 seals. Axles are 5.2 k. (they still have aluminum ID bands on them.) bought the seals, grease, and cotter keys at O’Reilly Auto Parts. I will tackle curbside tomorrow.

[Razorback]

Sounds like you are making good progress.

I am sure glad you posted this, because it reminded me that I have the outer bearings and races that still need replaced on 2 curb-side axles. I went to RockAuto to see about the National 413470 seals and a pair of bearings and races for these two 6K axles.... saw that they had 2 seals on a mfr. close out for less than $3 each! Grabbed those, of course, then checked the bearings and races. Almost got those ordered, but noticed those were coming from a different warehouse that made the shipping cost eat up what I had saved on the seals. So, I will just get those locally.

[Jtholland757@att.net]

I had read your post on that very project. Also read Silverloafs post. The tires were 1998 although looked like new.(the spare was original, never been used and stored under bed) I didn’t have time to check bearings when I put new tires on unit before I moved it. I chose Good Year Endurance ST. First tow truck and trailer was at night around 20 miles on the ball to storage unit. I knew my next project would be bearings. I didn’t know what shape they would be in, but after inspection was good to go. Seals, bearings, and brake shoes all appear to be original. Jacking up the trailer is the hard part. My owners manual says multiple times jack up axles. Chuck at Dexter says jack up frame. I jacked up and blocked axles hard against bracket for tire change as I was in sellers garage out in the boonies with time constraint. For wheel bearing job 20 ton and 6 ton bottle jacks with 2”x3/16”x12” flat bar topped by 2”x2”x12” oak against frame, then blocked with 6” wide blocks. Left it all under frame while working. Don’t know what you do if you have a flat on the road. Today should be a lot faster as yesterday had to make multiple trips to auto parts and Walmart. Next time I will order on line seals and bearings. Seals were $20. I’m just glad old bearings were serviceable. Will replace shocks at a later date. About to get this beast ready for a major shake down.

[silverloaf]

Yes, I jacked and supported our trailer on the frame. It gets dicey lifting the axle because it doesn't good features for a fail-safe lift. Also, if removing the wheels, one can't determine how high to lift when the jack is removed and the springs relax.

Timken bearings, races and seals are still available on-line. I stayed away from Lippert and Chinese clones. I recall paying $25-$30 for an entire axle set. This included inner and outer bearings with races, inner seal, castellation nut, and dust cover.

I went to a local O'Reillys Auto Parts store and rented (no charge) a bearing race install tool. I used marine grease to pack the bearings.

Glad you got it done. The first time is always the worst time.