Trailer bearing seals

[Ryan03]

I would order an extra set of seals, since they seem to be so hard to find and are relatively inexpensive.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Well got the seals today and all seems good. Here is what I learned. Not all 3,500# axles are the same. I have probably done this job over 100 times maybe more on at least 75 trailers and never seen anything but the standard bearing, race, and seal package.

Here was the differences I found on this job. A standard 3,500# axles takes bearings 68149&44649, races 68111&44610, and seal 171255

These axles took bearings 68149&44649, races 68110&44610, and seal 168255.

The differences are the race 68110 instead of the standard 68111 and the before mentioned seal 168255 instead of the standard 171255.

If running down the road and spinning a bearing you would probably be looking at 48 hrs to get the parts needed to put it back together. I ordered a full extra set for this hub/axle and put them in a zip lock bag pre-greased along with a small container of bearing grease and put them it the trailers tool box.

I was telling a guy I know about this and the same thing happened to them with a camper. They spun a bearing 45 miles from the destination on a week long vacation. This happened on a Sunday and it was 4pm Tuesday before they were back rolling. He said Sunday was a loss for locating parts and they spent the entire day Monday driving 100 miles to a bearing supplier after trying every Napa, AutoZone, Trailer Dealer, and Truck Stop with no luck. The bearing dealer did not have them either but was able to order them Next-Day-Air. He had to pick them up, drive 100 miles back and install them before they could get rolling at almost dinner time. What a way to start a week long vacation, loosing 3 days.

Anyway, check what you have and when you repack or inspect take down the numbers and get a extra set of bearings, races, and a seal. Put in the trailer or tow vehicle along with some grease, rubber gloves, paper towels, and the minimum tools necessary to do the job. It will be the best $20 you ever spend.

Chris

 

[Skyco]

Aaah yeah- part of the reason I only like Dexter stuff Of course sometimes you have no choice.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Well, like I said I do this job a lot. Did three trailers in the last 2 weeks. One had who knows axles, one had Alko, and one had these odd ball axles. Every other one I have ever done has been standard stuff but not this particular one.

Chris

 

[Bird]

I was telling a guy I know about this and the same thing happened to them with a camper. They spun a bearing 45 miles from the destination on a week long vacation.

I think it was 1973 when it happened to my parents on the Alaska Highway in Canada, back when it was a dirt and gravel road. They did get into a "lodge"; i.e., service station, etc., got bearings and seals ordered and had to wait a couple of days for them to arrive via bus. Then it was the right bearings, but the wrong seal. The seal was too big in diameter, so Dad sawed a break in it, forced it in place, and got to this end of the Alaska Highway (Dawson Creek) before fixing it right. Fortunately, he was retired so they didn't have any schedule to keep.

 

[ScottAR]

That 68110 race is a different bearing set... a13 or a15 as a guess since I don't have my stock here at home. The seal thing is a pain. I've ran into those funny axles as well...

 

[ArTrvlr]

Anyway, check what you have and when you repack or inspect take down the numbers and get a extra set of bearings, races, and a seal. Put in the trailer or tow vehicle along with some grease, rubber gloves, paper towels, and the minimum tools necessary to do the job. It will be the best $20 you ever spend.

Chris

I bought a two axle trailer (3500# each axle) with brakes on one axle only. When I added brakes to the other axle I saved the plain hubs (they were still low mileage), cleaned everything up, re greased, bagged and boxed 'em up and they have been in the trailer tool box ever since. Great for peace of mind on a long trip. Or even just across town.
jp