Trailer wheel bearings

[aquaplane]

Its probably worth paying more for good quality bearings from Timken or SKF rather than getting cheap oriental substitutes.

This is very true!

Don't buy secondhand subs ~ buy Timkens or SKF's.

Peter.

I rationalised that Timkens or SKF bearings would rust just the same as the "disposable" cheaper ones so I fitted the easiest to get hold of.

Naturally the supplier told me the cheap ones were "just as good, made to the same spec", as the makes I had heard of but I didn't believe him and re-greased them frequently.

If you are going to dunk the trailer to launch you need to keep on top of the bearings no matter how cheap/expensive they are.

 

[gjgm]

Considering buying a trailer sailer from 'up in Scotland'.
The owner says the trailer needs some attention, mainly ( Suprise!!) the wheel bearings.
He will try to get some lined up but doesn't know how to size them. Neither do I !!
What do we have to do? will he need to remove the old ones to get the size?

I am a bit reluctant to say what make of yacht this is but ask.......is the Newbridge Voyager a 'caravan'?
Thanks

If you are unlucky, they will be ALCO-type sealed bearings. Originals are expensive, but there are copies these days. Its also not really a DIY job.
Do not set off until the trailer is serviced. Bust bearings, rusted brakes etc and you are asking for trouble. Often its the brake cable that rusts inside its sleeve, and then locks the shoes onto the brake drum. You wont get far before the whole thing disintegrates. Or the brake shoes rust off their backing plates etc etc...Get it serviced; its just not worth the risk.
You might find a local garage can do it for you,if there isnt a trailer specialist close, but they might want the boat off the trailer.Full service, replacing all brake parts might be £150-250 as clue. On a big twin axle, I was buring through £500 a year on the trailer ...
BTW trailers can cost anything up to £5k, though I'd imagine your is smaller,lighter build, perhaps. So although you might be concentrating on the boat, dont ignore the potential problems on the trailer.

 

[bendyone]

Join the AA, set off and if you have a problem they will put it all ao a trailer and delivery it home.