09-02-2021, 03:41 PM
I carry a tool kit and spare bearings and grease with me, and always have. In 30 plus years of boating, I've never used that tool kit for MY OWN rigs..but I've used it PLENTY of times for friends and relatives on the side of the road. People don't take bearings seriously because it's out of sight, out of mind.
Yes, it can happen to you, and does quite often, and it happens fast. If you are lucky it only ruins the fishing trip.
You need to check for noises and play and leaks often, and feel the hub(s) at each stop. If they are "more than warm" to the touch, you need to service your bearings. If you can wiggle the wheel back and forth more than just a little bit (a little bit is normal) it's time to service your bearings. If your grease seals or hubs are leaking...you need to service your bearings. If you hear noises when the trailer is rolling...or better yet, jack the trailer up and spin the wheels..if any rumbling, ticking, or scraping noises...you need to service your bearings. If your grease cap or bearing buddy falls off...that is an indication that you've got some play in the bearings and they need to be serviced. Dont' just buy another one and hammer it back on.
Here is a good rule of thumb: Service your bearings once a year either in the fall before you put the boat away, or in the spring before you get it out for the first time. By servicing, I don't mean squirting some grease in them. They must be pulled apart, inspected and regreased or replaced and with new seals.
I'm old enough now that whenever I'm invited on a fishing trip, the first question I ask is "when is the last time you serviced your bearings?". Just because I have the tool kit and parts does not mean I want to ruin my vacation on the side of the road fixing your lousy bearings because you were too lazy to do it yourself conveniently in the driveway.
Can you tell this is a little sore spot with me?...
Oh, also...service your bearings.
Randy
Yes, it can happen to you, and does quite often, and it happens fast. If you are lucky it only ruins the fishing trip.
You need to check for noises and play and leaks often, and feel the hub(s) at each stop. If they are "more than warm" to the touch, you need to service your bearings. If you can wiggle the wheel back and forth more than just a little bit (a little bit is normal) it's time to service your bearings. If your grease seals or hubs are leaking...you need to service your bearings. If you hear noises when the trailer is rolling...or better yet, jack the trailer up and spin the wheels..if any rumbling, ticking, or scraping noises...you need to service your bearings. If your grease cap or bearing buddy falls off...that is an indication that you've got some play in the bearings and they need to be serviced. Dont' just buy another one and hammer it back on.
Here is a good rule of thumb: Service your bearings once a year either in the fall before you put the boat away, or in the spring before you get it out for the first time. By servicing, I don't mean squirting some grease in them. They must be pulled apart, inspected and regreased or replaced and with new seals.
I'm old enough now that whenever I'm invited on a fishing trip, the first question I ask is "when is the last time you serviced your bearings?". Just because I have the tool kit and parts does not mean I want to ruin my vacation on the side of the road fixing your lousy bearings because you were too lazy to do it yourself conveniently in the driveway.
Can you tell this is a little sore spot with me?...
Oh, also...service your bearings.
Randy
I used to N.ot have E.nough T.ime O.ff to go fishing. Then I retired. Now I have less time than I had before. Sheesh.