Bearing Trouble?

Levity · Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 8:55 pm Post subject: Bearing Trouble?

Hi All,
Ahybody have any idea why a new tandem trailer with less than 500 miles on it would throw grease around the inside of a rim? Would appreciate your knowledge and experience.
Thanks,
Levity's Michael

CAVU · Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 9:43 pm Post subject:

Levity,
It depends on if the grease is on the outside of the wheel or the inside. If on the outside, the bearings were probably overfilled and if you have a bearing buddy type of outer cover they are designed to release the excess grease through a vent hole. If the grease is on the inside of the wheel, then you have blown the rear seal and this will require some attention soon. I recently had this happen to my trailer with brakes. If the rear seal blows and gets grease on the brakes, then you will need new brakes.

Levity · Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 9:34 pm Post subject:

Cavu,
Thanks for your reply, spoke to the factory rep today and his suggestion is to clean up the grease and see if it recurs. His thought is that the factory sometimes overloads the hubs with grease applied through an air driven grease gun. This slightly pressurized grease can squirt its way through the double seals. If they loaded it too much then your suggestion will prove accurate as the seals will have been damaged and new seals needed. Thanks again for your thoughts.
Levity's Michael

C-Bill · Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2004 12:43 am Post subject:

Something else to consider might be that automotive seals were put in instead of the correct seal which will take more of the pressure. I had that happen to me and it was a royal mess!

Bill

Levity · Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 10:46 pm Post subject:

The Load Rite factory rep provided the bearing replacement kit number which was used to order said kit. Kit arrived by UPS, kit includes new bearings, inner and outer, seals and new hub complete with installed races. Inspection of kit revealed rusty, pitted races. Replacement kit now must be returned (in person) for a replacement kit for the replacement kit.
Levity's Michael

C-Bill · Posted: Mon May 03, 2004 6:31 pm Post subject:

Something else to consider - with a new set of bearings & seals, it's possible to have voids of air within the hub which will expand when warmed and increase the pressure in the hub pushing out some grease.

Bill