Tips for longer boat trailer bearing life

[Dave R]

If you are replacing bearings and seal on your trailer bearings because of water intrusion, you'll likely need to clean up and dress the seal surface on the spindle. I recommend using three steps after you have cleaned the grease and grime off the spindle.

Step 1. Clean all the rust and imperfections with 220 grit wet/dry sandpaper and motor oil, then clean with brake cleaner.

Step 2. Smooth the surface with 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper and motor oil, then clean with brake cleaner.

Step 3. Polish the surface with 1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper and motor oil, then clean with brake cleaner.

If you are really into it, you can use 5 steps of 220, 400, 800, 1600, 3000 grit, but I don't think it's necessary to go that crazy.

When you re-assemble, put a light film of grease on the seal surface of the spindle and pack grease into the space between the two lips on the seal.

The seal leaks again shortly, use a repair sleeve (like speedi-sleeve) to fix the spindle.