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 Post subject: Trailer Bearing Size
PostPosted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 4:50 pm 
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Joined: Sun Mar 20, 2011 7:13 am
Posts: 25
I am in the process of repairing the trailer that came with a 1983 Hobie 16, and, unfortunately, the old bearings were thrown away before I could read the specs. I know that the two most common bearing sizes are 1" and 1 1/16", but so far every other part seems to not be "common". Any idea what size bearings would be on this trailer and, if it is an uncommon size, where I could find them (I know MBounds had recommended www.trailerpartsuperstore in a previous post).


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 Post subject: Re: Trailer Bearing Size
PostPosted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 5:46 pm 
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Hobie Approved Guru

Joined: Mon Jul 14, 2003 7:11 pm
Posts: 5197
Location: Detroit, MI
I went through this a couple of years ago - turns out the axle I had was some odd dimension that was impossible to find bearings for. I ended up replacing the whole axle so I could be on a "standard size".

The last thing you want is to be stranded along the side of the road with an odd-sized bearing that's burned up.

Get or borrow a caliper so you can measure the axle diameter accurately and go from there.


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 Post subject: Re: Trailer Bearing Size
PostPosted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 6:00 pm 
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Site Rank - Old Salt

Joined: Fri Dec 28, 2007 11:23 am
Posts: 599
Location: Lake Norman NC
A friend had some really small bearings very hard to find and hard to replace he bought new axle at Northern this included new bearings problem solved
Told my son today that the first thing to replace on his Hobie 16 was the trailer bearings I won't be around forever and it is his time to get that black greese under his fingernails.
Hobie tip keep the old bearings if still usable in your Hobie Hell Box it might just save a trip another tip get bearing buddies do not back axle into the water unless necessary


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 Post subject: Re: Trailer Bearing Size
PostPosted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 5:44 pm 
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Joined: Sat Feb 24, 2007 8:45 pm
Posts: 1668
Location: Northfield Minnesota
This isn't directed at anyone specifically, but my trailer has a bazillion miles on it, with zero bearing issues so far, (knock on wood), why? Maintenance.

One of the things you want to look for in an axle is hollow spindles. Replacing the grease in the hubs is as simple as getting the wheel off the ground, popping the dust-cap, and keep pumping grease into it while spinning the tire until you get clean stuff out the front. The only thing you really have to keep an eye on then is the seals, eventually they will take a crap on you, but rarely in catostrophic form if its caught early, which it should be.


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 Post subject: Re: Trailer Bearing Size
PostPosted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 7:17 pm 
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Joined: Mon Jul 14, 2003 7:11 pm
Posts: 5197
Location: Detroit, MI
The problem is, Karl, some people treat catamaran trailers like motorboat trailers - they back them down the ramp until the boat floats off, and the bearings are way underwater.

Once water gets into the bearings, their days are numbered - if they're not cleaned and repacked before letting them sit for any period of time. Like over winter.

The trailer I gave an overhaul to (a 1973 Magline) sounded like a bucket of rocks when going down the road when I brought it from the storage yard to home (about 20 miles). One bearing had rusted solid to the axle, the cage had broken and the rollers were floating around on their own. The races were trashed. I ended up replacing the entire undercarriage (springs, axle, hubs, bearings, rims/tires).

Water + bearings = pain


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 Post subject: Re: Trailer Bearing Size
PostPosted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 3:41 pm 
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Joined: Sat Jun 21, 2003 7:14 pm
Posts: 461
Location: West MI
I had the same problems with a used trailer I bought. Rumbled down to Ohio and back with grease pumped into the bearings. I had to put in new seals and bearings. I use the Cat Trax now and never back the trailer wheels into the water. The bearings last a long time, just replace the seals. Hint, use Cat Trax near the water. I would never dream of putting my trailer in salt water.

_________________
1989 Hobie 18 Worlds Boat, Magnum Wings & Spinnaker
1987 Hobie Holder 20 #273

dale.vanlopik"at"att"dot"net


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