Boat trailer bearings and seals

[Donald]

I am looking at the bearings after all the grease was wiped off and there were a few small patches of rust on a couple of the rollers. Nothing major. Is that a replace condition?

Second question is I have seen some seals with double lip which on the surface would seem better than single lip seals. Can a double seal replace a seal with a single seal or is there something different about the shaft shoulder?

 

[tig1]

Your bearings are on the way out.

 

[Donald]

I see Bearing Buddy also sells seals that look to be a step up from even dual lip seals.

 

[46Harry]

My recommendation is to replace both the bearings and the seals. If you are seeing rust on the rollers, the bearings are on the way to a total failure. If a double lip seal will fit, then use it otherwise replace the seals with an original type. Make sure that you use a grease approved for boat trailer service.

 

[Donald]

The race also?

The inner bearing looked like new, shinny rollers, no hint of rust.

 

[Lubener]

Replace them, seals and the races. Always change races with a new bearing.Use a brass drift to r and r the races. Double lip seals are better quality than single.There are special greases for boat trailers. When I had a boat, servicing the bearings was an annual task.

 

[cmhj]

rust spots will get worse, when in doubt switch them out