Trailer Trauma! DIY - Wheel Bearing Basics

This MUST-SEE video will show you what you need to know to avoid TRAILER TRAUMA!!! Your trailer is what floats your boat, learn how to maintain it in just a few minutes within this video.
WARNING: Some scenes are of a sexual nature and may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
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[@Jragtard]

Loved the video. Its great that you mentioned you've never done this before. Gives me some confidence with my own bearings I'm going to tackle tomorrow.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Good luck Jragtard, I'm sure you will do fine.

[@jonesygw]

Thanks, I have these blue bearing buddies on my boat trailer, and I greased them for the first time today. I didn't know what they were. Now I do. I'll have to add more grease to one of them. It didn't come out like the other 3 did. Cheers!

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Just be careful to not overfill them! Good luck.

[@TradeU4it]

One of the most entertaining educational shorts I've seen. Well done Capin'.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thank you so much for the kind words, keeping the education entertaining is exactly what I strive for. Thanks for watching!

[@joehunt4506]

Replaced both hub assemblies on my 1971 trailer last week. Easy peasy. And please keep in mind, use marine grade grease, not bearing grease. 👍 When tightening, 30 to 40 foot pounds then back the nut off and hand tighten, then install the cotter pin

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Sounds good Joe, thanks!

[@Seafariireland]

Super clear presentation, thank you Captain Leon. SkipRay, Kerry, Ireland.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Glad you liked it and thanks for watching!

[@jasonbridle7931]

Thanks for making this video. A good overall intro for me about hub composition!

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Glad to help, thanks for watching Jason!

[@DialedIn57]

Nice job on this video. You covered all the basses and was very thorough.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thank you sir, hopefully it will help others. Thanks for watching!

[@josephdecker4558]

Great video Captain. Yes, always keep your shaft well lubricated. Rule is never go in dry.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Yes, now you got it! Thanks for watching Joe!

[@josephdecker4558]

@@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore Capt. Leon, I came back to watch this video because I finally took delivery of my 2023 SX190 with the Shore Landr trailer. My trailer has disc brakes, which in my opinion is just another thing to go wrong. Do you have any stoping issues with your trailer, given that it doesn't have brakes? Thank you, Joe

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

@@josephdecker4558 Hey Joe. So I have never had to make an emergency stop, but regular breaking with my Dodge Durango is no problem at all, boats stops just fine if you drive responsibly. Congrats!!!

[@stephanguidry2178]

This is exactly what I needed to watch! Thank you!

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

No problem Stephan, glad you appreciated it! Thanks for watching .

[@notserp054]

5 seconds into the video and I love this guy already!

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Preston, appreciate your kind words. Thanks so much for watching!

[@Gray32223]

I'm new at this and your video has given me confidence to tackle the job. Thanks for a great, well made video.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Glad to help Gray! Good luck, you got this!

[@tooagle]

For someone who has never done this before, you did good!

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Rider, I do check them now and then and all is going well. Thanks for watching!

[@billreid4597]

Nice job brother! Enjoyed the video, enjoyed your sense of humor as well. Safe and happy boating to you.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Same to you Bill, thanks and thanks for watching!

[@philf4086]

Super helpful and instructive video! Now I've got my end of season maintenance planned. Thanks!!

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Glad to help Phil. I'm sure it will go great!

[@philf4086]

@@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore The bit about different types of grease was especially helpful. Will be good to start with a new system.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

@@philf4086 good deal!

[@jaycunningham9207]

I just wanted to thank you very much for your great video. It was very helpful and easy to follow, I went as far as to change the races out and after doing that I will go with the pre-assembled hub. That would have been much faster and cheaper in the long run. Shorelander seems to be very proud of their shipping :) Thanks again Sir

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thank you Jay for the kind words. Glad my video was helpful to you. Hope all goes well for you!

[@JamesIsland_SC]

Very good. Definite reminder that I need to look at my bearings and springs. I keep the springs sprayed with a 50/50 mix of motor oil and kerosene. The mixture slows the rusting significantly. Bunks are another in that area that need regular maintenance

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Marion, good advice!

[@JLeeChron]

Replace the springs before they bust hitting a bump in the road, then after that spray with fluid film for protection even in salty conditions. Last 2x as long

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks J Lee, what is fluid film? Link?

[@jaimelopez3991]

That was a great video Captain!! You made it so funny. I'''ll follow this practice on the dolly for my RV!! Cheers

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Jaime, appreciate your kind words.

[@deedeesfunnyfarm479]

Hey thank you for the video. I'm not doing a boat trailer but sure its all pretty much the same. Thanks for the tips!

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Yeah Dee Dee, should be all the same. Enjoy, and thanks for watching!

[@deedeesfunnyfarm479]

I have my wheel bearings changed out. Thank you!! Next up I need to do the electric backplate. @@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore

[@conrad-davischronological]

Been watching videos for years. I edit video myself and am very impressed with your production skills.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thank you Conrad, I appreciate your comments and thanks for watching!

[@maximalniy]

Thanks for the video and how to understand when to change grease and how to do it? Take off everything again, grease and put back? Coz I watched videos when they pump the grease through the pimp and you see the old grease coming out replaced with the new one

[@vinnied7566]

Captain Leon, thank you so much for this detailed easy video. I just bought my 1st boat this past July. I’ve watched a lot of your videos & their very helpful. This one, the accessories you added, & the buckles you installed. Again thank you so much. P.S. I’m in the Chicagoland area, our Pizza is better. 😎🍕🍕

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Orvinne, you had my wife and I cracking up over the pizza comment. You may be right about Chicago pizza, I’ve had it and it’s pretty good! Thanks for watching, good luck with your boat!

[@tollav]

I thumbed up just for the pizza banter.

[@johnsherman1690]

Thanks - that's what I have to do to my trailer!

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Happy to help John, here for any questions.

[@jerryq1000]

Nice video...didn't realize replacement hubs were so inexpensive. Nice to hear some East Coast "r's"- don't hear them here in the Midwest. Reminds me of where I grew up in SE Connecticut.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Jerry, good stuff!

[@groovymoon]

BTW the seals that come with that hub kit may be TOO tight to fit properly over the spindle sleeve. You need a 1.750" ID seal with the sleeve. I took mine off. I polished the spindle before putting it all back together. How did you make out.... Loctite Red is REALLY strong.. When I took mine off I had to just about peel them off. If you look really close at the seal. On the rubber parts the OD, ID & Thickness are molded into the rubber in about 3 point type. At least it is on the seals I have in my hand right now. I have the same axles on my Shorlander trailer. Except my trailer is dual with brakes on the rear.

[@vicpetrishak7705]

Lippert and Dexter seem to be the most popular small trailer axles . The ones I have disassembled are equipped with low cost and very low quality axle hub bearings . 120/23

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Vic, and thanks for watching!

[@danielpadgett2831]

You did a great job

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Daniel, it's still going strong. Thanks for watching!

[@mguerramd]

Yeah, waiting on the Loctite stud and bearing mount to set up was a GOOD idea. Have fun removing that sleeve in the future, if ever needed! (You will have to apply heat) Red Loctite really holds on.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

I hear you, as long as it holds now. Thanks for watching!

[@mguerramd]

@@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore yes it’s important that it not spin.

[@mmwalton1119]

Keep an eye on that Spindle Sleeve it looked awfully loose. Usually you have to pound them on. I did the same exact thing with locktite and a year later it came loose and ended up grinding down the spindle on a long distance drive. Had to get a new axle. Great Video though!!!

[@groovymoon]

I got rid of them on my trailer. My boat is fresh water only and all the trailer shops around me say they never use them. I polished the part of the spindle they ride on and had to use a size smaller seal from 1.750.

[@Bridgeman-bg4jl]

The spindle is worn beyond saving. The old spindle sleeve spun and caused the failure. You may be good for a season but ultimately the spindle needs replacing.

[@edhayes2566]

Good video nice clear pics

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Ed, and thanks for watching!

[@greghaub1571]

Great video

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Greg, glad you liked it! Hopefully it helps some folks.

[@kevinmiller7193]

Question, if there is to much grease in the hub would it push the bearing buddy out? Seemed like a solid fit but within a mile down the road watched it come off.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

The bearing buddy should be pressed fit into the hub where it would take a mallet to remove it. Over filled would sooner release grease through rear seal or Bearing Buddy spring before pushing the unit out of the hub in my opinion.

[@randythomas3478]

Eye of cotter pin should be facing outward. Never turn cotter eye sideways.

[@Oldtech51]

I've never seen a seal sleeve that wasn't a press fit.

[@triciaharrod7582]

Does it make much difference using galvanized hubs versus the black hubs? Just noticed the axle looks galvanized but the hubs were not.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

I would say galvanized hubs would be better if you can get them. I have noticed the black hubs beginning to show some signs of rust.

[@factionfx]

Wow! red loctite! Please add Shorelander to the video title, will make it easier to find. Just found this spindle sleeve thing on my shorelander and had never seen it before! Thought it was awesome but of course it needs custom parts! Mine were broken loose for sure.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Glad the video was able to help you!

[@mark2610]

Nut is supposed to be loose. About 1/6 turn. After bolting on wheel you should be able to grab tire an feel some play which will go away when heated in operation. Without play you will overload the bearings when the parts heat and expand. Premature bearing failure may result.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Mark, appreciate that!

[@richardvila3]

Good job

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Richard, and thanks for watching!

[@-TheRealScubasteve-]

Did you ever replace your leaf springs? Mine looked like that and I thought they were fine like you thought. Long story short, I wished I would have listened to my intuition. Rear axle leaf spring broke while heading home from the lake. The tire started smoking, I was able to get the boat off and then I lost my rear axle, u bolt and almost didn’t make it home. Please replace those and coat them with a fluid film for the corrosion resistance. Thanks for the video man!

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Steve. I'm going to finish out this season and then change them. I agree, I'm pushing it with these. I see another video coming...lol. Thanks for watching.

[@robinmetcalfe3416]

Option 1, When you add a cotter pin, the leg on the outside should be cut off just passed centre and the inner leg cut off after being pushed in towards the washer, note the inner leg must however not touch the washer. This applies to 99% of installations, Option 2, you can also attach a split pin with the eye across the nut and each leg curled around the nut and into the next castellation of the nut, but this way however limits the space where the grease buddy fits so option 1 is best. :-)

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Interesting Robin, I never knew that. I think I replaced it the way the OEM was assembled. Do you think there is ever a need to go back in and retighten nut due to wearing in and use?

[@robinmetcalfe3416]

No, at the next annual just do it the correct way, and so on from there on, tell your mates too. Have a wonderful weekend. Cheers.

[@mikemcgee6810]

I would love to see an image of this Cotter pin install. Sorry, I’m a visual kind of guy.

[@ScottWarder]

Nice video, sir. It is a good idea to let the loctite set, but in the instructions, you'll note that to remove the Red version of Loctite requires heat. Once that stuff sets, it's essentially welded in place..

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Good to know, thanks Scott!

[@Mancavedweller1]

I would have done things differently. Before putting the bearing buddy in, I would have pumped grease from the inner grease nipple on the hub. That way you would have filled all the way through the hub and expelled any air. I'd put the bearing buddy in once grease came out that end. I was initially worried about my hubs being completely filled with grease, as I thought it may cause overheating. However, the rotational speed of trailer wheels is not fast enough to cause this and even on a 40+ degree (Celcius) day at 100 kmh my hubs don't get past warm. I personally love the grease nipple on the inner side of the hub and bearing buddies with a grease relief hole, because you can add grease via the inner hub grease nipple, continually giving fresh grease to the larger inner bearing and pushing the older grease towards the outside where it will exit via the bearing buddy relief hole. Adding grease via the bearing buddy only is pumping against a "dead end" and the larger inner bearing doesn't get grease replenished.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

I hear ya. I did pump it in from the rear too. Been working great! Thanks for watching.

[@Cparker8]

Good video. Just wondering how these hubs are holding up? I boight one similar and noticed the studs seem to be zinc and not galvanised? Are they okay from saltwatwer over time?

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

The studs have rusted a bit, beyond that, all good. This video covers my solution: kzbin.info/www/bejne/boDMon6IhZyLgJosi=dr2l9Z8Uj5uy7s5z

[@Cparker8]

@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore genius! I never thought of this. Thanks mate, will buy a set of those nuts!

[@MrZX1409]

I just brought a 2013 Monterey boat, and the trailer has dual axle and has bearing buddies installed. I told the Mgr at the boat place I purchased the boat from to check the bearing brakes and wheels because I would be pulling the boat to AL from Salt Lake City UT. Well, I made it to back to AL with no issues but after cleaning up the boat and trailer I noticed that fluid was in the dust caps of the Buddie bearings it appeared that maybe the right type of grease was not used and from the 1766mile trip the grease broke down. Two of the BB blue caps stick to far out what can I do to resolve this ??

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Well the easiest thing would be to knock off the Bearing Buddy with a rubber mallet by tapping around and walking it out. Clean out what you can, reinstall and re grease. See if you can find out what grease they used too.

[@MrZX1409]

@@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore Thank you, I will.

[@waynew2831]

Maybe you can answer this question. When you pump grease into the beaaring buddy, are you filling the ENTIRE hub cavity with grease? Thank You

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Yes, it fills the entire hub cavity. When the internal pressure is about 3psi the bearing buddy indicator starts to press out. This is when you stop filling it.

[@jtnoodle]

Yes and no. BB's are designed to keep slight pressure to push any water intrusion out. That's it. They do not lube the bearings properly, particularly the inner bearing. In fact, as the grease heats up and is pushed out around, you may be lacking sufficient lube with the BB's. Best to physically repack the bearings at recommended intervals.

[@patrickmcgovern7914]

No. It will not fill the entire hub cavity. The grease won't get past the washer that covers the outer bearing. It will only fill the void between the fitting and the washer. None of the grease will get to where it can do any good at all. You're much better off with a simple dust cap and regular maintenance. Bearing buddies are useless.

[@superkunk2]

How do I find out which hub kit to buy?do I have to take apart first? I'd hate to take apart and find out I have to order it.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Try contacting the manufacturer of the trailer to see if you can get the spindle size based on your model, that should help. Good luck!

[@RUS_US]

1) Looks like the spindle sleeve is not part of the hub assembly? i.e. it need to be purchaised separatly? 2) 11:39 my trailer righ spinde go badly corroded and the surface was not smooth. i was thinking to by a new axle but after your video i decided to try gule it the spindle sleeve with smooth surface. it will protect the sealant. 3) I overfill bearing too. yes it messy but insure no water inside. your old greeze looks ok by color. 4) 12:22 it broke because it was not glued in but instead it was put with a lot of greaze. it was rotating with hub cut of itself at some moment.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Yes, I obtained the spindle sleeve from Shoreland'r trailer company. They were pretty cheap, not expensive. Thanks.

[@evanunderwater]

Which model ShoreLand’r trailer do you have? Looks nice!

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

It came with the boat as a package. My guess is it made specifically for Yamaha by Shorelandr.

[@PainterD54]

You can just tighten the bearing up while rotating it so it's tight, then back it off 1/4 turn.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Yup, that's sounds about right to me. Thanks Dave and thanks for watching!

[@johnsherman1690]

What can I do if the bearing buddy doesn't want to come off?? When I hit it with the rubber mallet, nothing happens - just a lot of noise. Very frustrating. Thanks by the way for the video.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Hey John, try a block of wood with a regular hammer. Go slow and steady. You of course don’t want to dent the Bearing Buddy. Once it starts to move you can walk it out. Good luck.

[@johnsherman1690]

@@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore - hey, Cap'. I switched to a regular hammer and pounded on the old bearing buddy (I have new ones). I think that's the hardest part. Thanks for your video. What part of NY are you from? LI?

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

@@johnsherman1690 Yup, Suffolk County, Long Island.

[@johnsherman1690]

@@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore Me too - Suffolk County.

[@hilltopper600]

that bird is a Blue Jay -great bird

[@bugkiller5293]

I see these greasing the outer bearing well, but in order to get to the inside bearing you would have to fill the entire hub full of grease

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Yes, the whole hub does fill with grease. Once full it starts to move the bearing buddy collar outward. Thanks for watching!

[@mailbagps]

I hypothesize the sleeve failed due to over pressure grease - I will have to get this hub but first mic existing

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Possibly Paul. Not sure what else you were trying to say in your comment. Thanks for watching.

[@billypirtle1443]

Is the grease you using high speed wheel bearing grease if not you be doing this again down the road.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Did you watch the whole video Billy? That is covered at 23:00 minutes in. Did the best I could.

[@billypirtle1443]

@@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore around my small farm ww use the same grease on all grease fittings ball joints to disk fittings my 3 trailers have this red wheel bearn grease in everything on this farm have not put a wheel bearn in in 6 years one grease for all.

[@mydailyreviewsdotcom]

Do you recall what size the axle nut was holding the hub in place?

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Sorry Crypto Bull, I do not. But it fit perfectly on the factory spindle. Thanks for watching.

[@markvigna3126]

It’s a 1 1/8 socket. Shorelandr recommends 18-20 ft lbs torque.

[@groovymoon]

You need to tighten the nut to about 50 ft-lbs without spinning the hub and then back it off. And you should check the tension after about 50 miles. Yes the Lock-N-Lube is THE BOMB!!!

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Good to know, thanks. I do question who checks the tension after 50 miles when assembled at the factory. They probably give it the wammy and let her run. Thanks though and thanks for watching.

[@groovymoon]

@@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore I think it's ranger boats that makes there own axles and they use the Vertex hub system and that system has specific (but simple) installation protocols.

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Is this a pair of hubs? How many hubs come in the kit?

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Each hub is sold individually. Hope that helps, thanks for watching.

[@gregoriosmith6994]

you should spray diesel on your rusty trailer springs two or three times a year.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Gregorio, regular diesel fuel?

[@j1mbobtech]

It (the sleeve) broke, because the nut did not have the pre- tension correct(too loose) which allows the whole assembly to move a little...

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Good to know j1mbobtech, thanks for that, and thanks for watching!

[@nevadaboy9769]

Normally those sleeves are a repair sleeve meant to be used when your original spindle or whatever your trying to repair has been grooved or damaged in someway then you use these with the coresponding seal with the proper id, ive never seen a spindle that came factory with a sleeve thats new to me! And i know how those bearing buddy's are suppose to work but they cant sell me on the fact that the hub assy is going to hold any amount of air not even 3 psi for any period of time at all without leaking out its not air tight & also as per Timken your hub cavity should be no more than half full of grease, to much will cause churning when it heats up ✌

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thank you sir! All good and interesting points and tips. Good stuff.

[@matthewbiddle7421]

Hey Captain Leon. Do you have links to the parts list?

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Hey Matt, you will need to confirm with your trailer manufacturer what the spindle calls for. From there I just went over to West Marine to buy the bearing kit as needed based on the spindles measurement. Hope that helps and thanks for watching!

[@justinlloyd9342]

I’ve got a different trailer and hub but I think my old hub is missing parts. The washer behind the lock nut is not even on there and the new hub I bought the outer bearing is flush with the hub but other then that it looks the same as the old 1 . I’m getting aggravated lol

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Justin, check with the trailer manufacture to make sure that what you have is right. You don't want to mess around with wrong parts in this important area. Good luck!

[@Quacks0]

16:42 Wow --- just sitting overnight, and already a little bit of rust started to form!

[@40cleco]

Sleeves that are that loose need Loctite 620.

[@nevadaboy9769]

Yep might want to try the medium strength retaining compound 609 instead, you may have a hard time removing that with the 620 thats some strong shit right there but it might work since theres not a whole lot of surface area to adhere to. trial & error the only way to find out i guess but definetley need one of the two to keep it from flying off down the road! ✌

[@user-zc4yj7ye8c]

Shorelandr recommends #271 or # 263 (email sent to me stated this) to do this sleeve, and it has to cure for 24 hours.

[@ppjaime2159]

Where did you get the whole kit for 50 bucks ...??? Give us the link please

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Prices vary by size and they occasionally have a sale: www.westmarine.com/c-e-smith-trailer-hub-kits-P017_513_005_004.html?queryID=76e605e1b3406c99c67d7f0bed41865e&objectID=368441&indexName=production_na01_westmarine_demandware_net__WestMarine__products__en_US

[@stilltuckered]

May as well do the other side, too.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Sure thing Kelly, that's exactly what did! Thanks for watching.

[@breikowski]

I watch this and have so many thoughts. I assume that since you mentioned you have no idea what your doing, yet have clearly done so much research, all your doing is generating comments. Seems it worked on me. Good luck!

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Bob, yeah research doesn't hurt, but Ive never done anything like that so it was new to me. Not sure if I'm just generating comments, but many of those comments have expressed gratitude for the time I took to produce this and the help it has provided. Thanks for watching!

[@donbright9203]

And some latex gloves! Several pair.

[@webbcolegrove5309]

What cartoon app was that

[@mikenagy938]

Captain one thing you must hammer on to your followers. That is TWO SQUIRTS of grease per year!! Most guys and I would class you in this, blow out the rear bearing seal by putting too much grease in there. The bearings come filled with grease from the factory so do not over grease them. Once you see grease on the rims In back it is too late, you will now be putting on new bearings

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Mike, appreciate the guidance, I will keep an eye on it.

[@vxnova1]

The only recommendation I have is some cheap gloves would make the job a little easier to clean up afterwards

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Agreed vxnova! Cheers.

[@overlandersnorthwest]

I am about to grease mine hope I do ok

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

You’ll be fine, slow and steady, good luck!

[@adamdowning3892]

You’ll always have grease leakage out the back seal of the hub due to the positive pressure the spring in the bearing buddy creates, better to have greasy rims than frozen bearings…

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Understood Adam, but the 3 psi of grease pressure should not be enough to press through the rear grease seal, most people overfill to be sure and that causes it. Been there, done that...lol

[@Nessal83]

Bearings are way too tight. You should install your wheels before you set the bearings. There should be 0.001" clearance. The best way to do this is to install the wheel then tighten up the bearing completely until it is tough to turn. However, don't overtighten it as you will damage the bearing. You just want to take the slack out. This will seat the bearing. You will know when you turn the wheel and it stop immediately when you let go. Then you loosen up the axle nut half a turn and then spin the wheel. The wheel should spin freely without any drag. You then tighten the nut until you just barely notice the wheel being affected by any drag from the axle nut. If the castle nut lines up perfectly with the hole in the axle, then put the cotter pin in right there. If it is off, you back it off one notch to the LOOSE side and put the cotter pin in. Additional note not for you but for other people reading this. You do NOT want to pack your hub completely with grease because you will cause your bearings to overheat. You want to pack the bearings and lube the race and spindle. That's it. DO NOT PACK IT FULL OF GREASE AFTER.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thank you so much for this good info. I know you say not to pack the the hub with grease, do you recommend not using Bearing Buddies then?

[@chadhuffman5270]

Captain Leon. What Maintnenance do you do when you pull the boat out of salt water? A Video would be great.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Hey Chad, I basically begin by hosing off the hull and trailer as much as I can with fresh water. Then I flush the engine with fresh water and Salt-Away mixture on the hose. Once thats done I return to the hose and fill up a bucket of soap and water with boat or car soap. I then use a brush on a pole and clean the whole hull. Lastly I climb into the boat and dry off all the wet seats and dash from the overspray of the hose. Thank you for another great video idea. It's currently 15 degrees out and a Winter Storm approaching, will have to wait till Spring to put your idea in play.

[@chadhuffman5270]

@@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore thank you for the info. I am in pa. Getting hit with snow as I write. Very best.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

@@chadhuffman5270 at the moment I'm in PA too. In Limerick visiting family, going to head back to Long Island this morning with snow on my tail.

[@chadhuffman5270]

Ah. I am in Huntingdon PA. Lake Raystown.

[@chadhuffman5270]

Captain Leon. I have another related question to the trailer. Is there a min speed you drive with it? I understand it's rated for under 55. If I take a trip to NC that would turn a 5-hour trip into 7. Thoughts? or experiences? Thank you.

[@warren6172]

Not sure where you learned it but your technique of “lubing the Shaft” is very aggressive. Great video.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Glad you liked it, sometimes you have to take matters in your own hands. Thanks for watching Warren!

[@chopper5076]

Why didn't you just use the same hub and replace all the components?

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

The self contained hub with new bearings and race installed was less than $50, it was just easier in the long run. Thanks for watching!

[@randythomas3478]

Actually, you should have installed rear bearing onto spindle first, and then the hub.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Interesting Randy. How does that approach help? I guess gets it all set up and aligned better?

[@denali9449]

And just how does the seal get installed?

[@jimbernard6112]

Don't let the Loctite cure without the bearings preloading the spindle sleeve. That's possibly what happened to the original - if the Loctite fixes the sleeve to the spindle with any axial clearance between the sleeve lip and the spindle, when you preload the bearings, you'll bend the flange on the sleeve, possibly causing it to crack/break off. Slide the sleeve on the spindle, then immediately slide the hub on and tighten the nut. Do NOT back off to set proper preload - leave the nut tight for 30 minutes-24 hours to allow the loctite to cure. Then loosen the spindle nut to set the preload.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Jim, I'm always learning something new! Cheers.

[@randythomas3478]

Castle but should be finger tight. Do not ever tighten hard against the cotter pin.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Randy, good to know and thanks for watching!

[@donaldb3628]

WHY would you need that sleeve to begin with?

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

It provides a very smooth running surface thats replaceable for the bearings.

[@SolHersh]

20 cent gloves will go a long way getting that grease out of your fingernails and the brake cleaner on your hands aint too great either, theirs usually an actual sequence to seat the axle like a few spins one way half a spin the other and such to get it exact and sitting right.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Sol, yup you're right gloves do help. Hopefully I got it seated well. I did read up on a few different techniques to get it right. Thanks for watching!

[@Quacks0]

13:06 That is one noisy blue jay!!! :P

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

I hear ya, and that bluejay too! Thanks for watching.

[@jwboilermaker]

My only advice would be, don’t turn the ears of the cotter pin over the face of the nut, make them go around the flats. If you have clearance issues, use a little punch and a small ball peen hammer and get everything tight.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

That does make good sense, thanks JW!

[@andrewhansen4179]

Beware of any bearing kits made in China. And get rid of any Chinese trailer tires too. Go American made Goodyear Endurance tires. I have them on all my trailers and have nothing but good things to say about them.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Andrew, I'll keep that in mind.

[@DLeopoldi914]

Must be nice to be in freshwater….. Those bolts and screws will rust out in 2 months in saltwater….. Some other things that are awesome: 1.) 1750lb pressure washer, this thing is awesome to remove scum from water line. It also comes with an attachment cup for soap to clean the boat. $79 and worth every dollar. 2.) orbital buffing wheel. I use mine all the time on scratches and to apply wax before the season.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks D, I wish I was in freshwater. I'm exclusively salt water for 10 years straight now. I'm pretty good with maintenance and upkeep, but it's not always easy. Thanks for watching.

[@DLeopoldi914]

@@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore I commented on the wrong video lol I was watching a video where a guy was buying hardware form harbor freight. 316 is good stuff

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

@@DLeopoldi914 lol, no worries!

[@davenero8243]

Two years ago. I wonder what it costs now. 3/31/23.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Probably not much more Dave, relatively inexpensive job.

[@glockbiker1]

Gst a box of 100 5mil blue nitrile gloves from Harbor Freight. You'll never go back to bare hands.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Good point Glockbiker! I'm always looking to jump right into a job and forget to put them on. Thanks!

[@luigiprovencher8888]

Sounds like a blue jay or maybe a mocking bird to me.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Luigi, probably a Blue Jay, we have plenty.

[@scottkinkead6324]

Bearing buddy's are designed to let grease out the front when full so you can't over fill them . At the most you needed a new seal . You spent a lot of money for nothing ! My hubs have weeped a small amount of greese for 20 years with no Bearing failures . The only thing you had right is you don't know what your doing .

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks Scott for taking the time to share your thoughts. The following is from Bearing Buddy's webpage: "An automatic pressure relief feature prevents over-filling and over pressurization. See Bearing Buddy diagram: Without this feature, the inner seal will be damaged." You are correct that overfilling them should not blow out the rear seal. These new hubs cost me $45 as a complete kit. You say I spent a lot of money for nothing, thankfully I don't consider that much money and I enjoyed the experience and challenge of this job. There is a lot I learned and the 76k thousand views this video has obtained has certainly helped some others. Since performing this repair the inside of my rims and my trailer have remained clean and grease free. All super positive things, not too bad for a guy who doesn't know what he's doing, glad I got that part right.

[@sak4550]

Grease does not compact! too much grease on the spindle

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Perhaps, but its working great!

[@shwagondawheels]

They didn't specify the loctite type very well. Loctite 641 is most likely what you should have used, that looked like red thread locker.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Yeah I agree, just did what I could. So far so good. Thanks for watching swag!

[@user-zc4yj7ye8c]

Shorelandr recommends # 271 or # 263 and it has to cure for 24 hours

[@user-zc4yj7ye8c]

You can also use Permetex High Strength like #27140, has to cure 24 hours as well.

[@HD24680]

“And there you have it.” Yep. There’s all that wasted grease just sitting there doing nothing but wasting grease.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thanks HD. You do make some valid points. The 3lbs. of internal pressure created by the bearing buddies is designed to keep water (salt-water perhaps) from intruding upon the bearings, but not enough pressure to compromise the rear seal. At least that's what they say. Thanks, and thanks for watching.

[@luissonoma6255]

Thank you so much for explaining the compositions of the greases; not many people explain that and think “well grease is grease”.

[@connorjohnson9230]

16:54

[@SupahBigg577]

17:20 - BOOM! There it is! 🤣🤤

[@johnsmith9161]

The number one cause of wheel bearing failure is preloading the bearings. The wheel bearing needs to have clearance you should have about 1/8 of a inch play at the top of the wheel. If you adjust it with no play when the bearing heats up and expands it will reduce the clearance and become preloaded then overheat and fail. Over tightened wheel bearings fail very very quickly. A bearing with excessive clearance does not fail because of excessive clearance. Use a good quality grease,adjust the bearing correctly use a bearing buddy and wait for hub to cool down before submerging in water and you will never have a bearing failure. Service your bearings once a year especially on trailers with small wheels.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Good advice, thanks John and thanks for watching!

[@murdok1100]

too much greese. those hubs are pre-greased you dont add any

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

I'm not sure that is right murdok, the bearing buddies work while under pressure from within That's how it keeps water out. The indicator on them lets you know when they are full. At least that is my understanding.

[@murdok1100]

@@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore ive learned the hard way by that i mean on the side of the road. i pull thousands of miles every year. 3 or 4 pumps on a standard grease gun twice a year is plenty. the hub assembly i use come from tractor supple and states in the instructions do not grease when you initially install them.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

@@murdok1100 Good to know, thanks. I appreciate you taking the time to reach out.

[@pascualcorrea2052]

What’s an Ass Bird?

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Not following you?

[@carnold.knowledge]

Please considering shortening the intro. It is way too long. Otherwise good vid.

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Thank you. I appreciate the feedback. Thanks for watching!

[@HD24680]

Bearing Buddies are foolish. You push in grease that will never reach your bearings where it needs to be. And it also creates pressure inside the hub that eventually damages the rear seal. That’s why you lose grease out of it eventually. The best maintenance is to remove the hub and manually regrease the bearings and races. Buy a new grease seal for each hub before you start. You don’t waste grease that way ether.

[@patrickmcgovern7914]

Exactly!!!

[@luso4454]

Way too much arcade music , I couldn’t follow the video. 🛸🛸