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The change in color was an indication that water had found its way into the grease. I found that the grease in the bearings of one of our trailers had a milky brown appearance, rather than the clear, thick motor-oil appearance that it normally has. Spring is our time to recommission our fleet of four trailers, so I recently made the rounds to check the condition of lights, tires, axles, and bearings. Mackay has quality control systems in its factory and specialised equipment for injecting grease into the bearing & cavity of the hub.This $17 bearing replacement kit includes bearings, rear seal, and cotter pin. Mackay uses the highest quality bearings, and a high lithium, high temperature blue marine grease.About 3 years ago, Mackay conducted a research project in conjunction with Monash University, which resulted in a more scientific approach to bearing quality. Mackay trailers are built in a quality controlled environment, with quality components and trailers are backed up by a proven warranty. Mackay uses the highest quality seals in the industry.Įnsure your trailer is built with the best quality components. Use double lip marine grease seals for better protection against water ingress. Also ensure that you have the correct bearings, and that these are well seated in the hub. Use the correct grease with your bearings this should be high temperature marine grease, ideally lithium based, which will not degrade with water.Ĭarry a spare set of bearings with you and better still a spare hub with bearings in it – to make any changeover very easy. If they are ‘overheating’ then if prepared, attend to them yourself, or head to the nearest garage/ workshop for some assistance. They should not feel any hotter than a cup of coffee. After a long trip to the ramp, your bearings & grease will have heated up – but once the bearings are submerged, the cool temperature will cause the grease to contract and ‘suck in’ water into the bearing cavity.įeel your hubs for excess heat when travelling. Wait for the bearings to cool off before submerging the trailer in water. All Mackay trailers are supplied with high quality bearing buddies or covers. You’re only inviting water in, and major problems down the line. So not submerge the bearings of the trailer in the water, without a bearing cover of sorts. Covers can and do fall off however they should be replaced immediately. How deep you go is also governed by how steep or shallow the ramp is.Įnsure your bearings have a cap, cover or bearing buddy. On a single axle trailer, aim for somewhere between the axle and top of the guards and with tandems, do not submerge below the front axle line. Mackay trailer designs supports the launch and retrieval of your boat without deep submerging of the trailer. Try and avoid submerging your bearings (and trailer) too deep in the water if you can help it. Repack the bearing with grease if required, but never overfill the cavity or bearing buddy. Milky grease is a sign that it has been compromised by water. Deterioration can happen quickly and often results in problems occurring at the worst possible time.Ĭheck the grease levels yourself, either by removing the cap or bearing buddy, or looking through the clear lens of the Durahubs (that Mackay use). Even if your trailer is not being used, condensation of air occurs in the bearing cavity and can cause rust to commence.
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Get your bearings serviced regularly – at least once per 6 months, and definitely before a major trip.
How to repack boat trailer bearings how to#
Mackay Trailers provides 10 tips on how to avoid bearing failure. The number ONE reason for boat trailer nightmares is Bearing Failure?