When you pack the bearing and put them in the races do you need to add more grease in there before putting the seal on or is that just a waste. Also I have heard when you put the castle nut on you tighten it with a wrench than back off and finger tight is this true.

There are lots of videos on places like youtube that will answer all your questions. Personally when I hand pack bearings I always smear a generous gob of grease on the race before I insert the bearing. I then using a greasy finger i smear the grease around then press the seal in.

I fill the cavity between the seal and the bearing. You want some reserve grease and just a bit in the seal so that it is lubed. Just be careful that grease doesn't get on the brakes.Here is all the information:Axle service

When I put the castle nut back on, I tighten it snug and then back it off on "flat" on the side of the nut. Don't know if that's the approved method but I never had a bearing fail.

A lot depends on what size vehicle you are talking about. Finger tight would be acceptable on a light weight car but not tight enough for a 30000# motorhome chassis. You might need to get some specs from the chassis maker.

In tech school they teach you NOT to pack the the whole race and cavity with grease. That grease will never get to the bearings (it doesn't circulate) and holds heat in.

Confused about bearings | Good Sam Community

Raften
Explorer
Feb 23, 2015
My two cents is I don't like Bearing Buddys on boats or cargo trailers. I have no experience wit TT bearings but have lots with boats and cargo trailers. When I am done with the job my wheels rock a bit as I like them that way but I think I repack more often than others. Never had a bearing freeze but did on a dealer serviced auto.
mowermech
Explorer
Feb 23, 2015
4X4Dodger wrote:
mowermech wrote:
For good information, I recommend Department of The Army Technical Manual 9-214, Inspection, Care, and Maintenance of Antifriction Bearings.
The copy I have is dated November, 1959.
It will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about bearings, and more.
It is readily available online.

It's also from 1959, bearing materials and procedures have moved on and advanced in many cases (Not all) Metallurgy is a science that does not stand still and new materials can and do affect how things are done in many cases.

I would rely on the 21st century instructions from the MFG or Axle MFG.

Chances are, the cautions, warnings, and acceptable procedures are pretty much the same. In looking through the TM, I find that only things outdated are some of the tools. The cleaning, inspection requirements, lubrication, and adjustment instructions are pretty much the same then as now.
mowermech
Explorer
Feb 23, 2015
D & M wrote:
mowermech wrote:
For good information, I recommend Department of The Army Technical Manual 9-214, Inspection, Care, and Maintenance of Antifriction Bearings.
The copy I have is dated November, 1959.
It will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about bearings, and more.
It is readily available online.

Let me Google that fro you

Thanks, but it was REALLY unnecessary. I have a hard copy right here on the desk, I don't need to google it.
But, others might need the slick little tutorial that you provided.
mbrower
Explorer
Feb 22, 2015
Dr Quick wrote:
I have worked on vehicles for 55 years and this is my technique. After bearings are packed, smear some grease on spindle and hub races, slide hub on install outer bearing and nut. I spin wheel/ hub as alternating tightening and loosening nut several times, to make sure that hub is all the way on. Back of nut just past nearest cotter key hole, then finger tight nut to install key. No extra grease inside hub, as BEARINGS DO NOT CONSUME grease. Never had one failure.

Been a mechanic my whole life and bearings are not that complicated. The above technique is spot on. Don't over analyze or complicate it.

Mark
Cobra21
Explorer
Feb 22, 2015
And least but not last; wear the blue nitril gloves, your hands will be clean when you have finished.

Brian
Lynnmor
Explorer
Feb 22, 2015
MFL wrote:
Larry, what Ron missed, was after tightening to 50 ft lbs, you need to loosen the nut, then finger tight, then back to first open pin slot.

I'm sure Ron knows this,
Jerry

Thanks Jerry, you are correct. Ron might know this, but folks posting potentially dangerous instructions for members that are trying to learn is irresponsible. Even worse is fellow members that have nothing better to do but attack others.
traveylin
Explorer
Feb 22, 2015
Two additional checks not mentioned.

When you feel the nut is tight enough, grasp the outside edges of the tire and rock to check for play in the bearing assembly. If it rocks either the bearing is not tight or the spindle,race has excess wear.

After final assembly take the trailer out on the road for 10-15 miles, stop and go feel the temperature of each bearing hub. One that is warmer than the others is probably too tight. Your next trip check the bearing temps again after about a hundred miles.

I replaced many a bearing set on boat trailers used in salt water and spindals/races will corrode and loose the hard surface.

pops
4X4Dodger
Explorer II
Feb 22, 2015
mowermech wrote:
For good information, I recommend Department of The Army Technical Manual 9-214, Inspection, Care, and Maintenance of Antifriction Bearings.
The copy I have is dated November, 1959.
It will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about bearings, and more.
It is readily available online.

It's also from 1959, bearing materials and procedures have moved on and advanced in many cases (Not all) Metallurgy is a science that does not stand still and new materials can and do affect how things are done in many cases.

I would rely on the 21st century instructions from the MFG or Axle MFG.
lynndiwagon
Explorer
Feb 22, 2015
I've followed Lippert's procedure re torquing to 50ft. lbs. then backing off and tightening finger tight for cotter key for years with great success. I would think they know how to install bearings on their axles.
D___M
Explorer
Feb 22, 2015
mowermech wrote:
For good information, I recommend Department of The Army Technical Manual 9-214, Inspection, Care, and Maintenance of Antifriction Bearings.
The copy I have is dated November, 1959.
It will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about bearings, and more.
It is readily available online.

Let me Google that fro you

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