Pre-Loading Trailer Wheel Bearings

Pre Loading Bearings:

  • Whenever you install new hubs or new bearings and races into an old hub, you should pre-load the bearings.  Pre-loading the bearings assures that the races in the hubs are 100% in place against their machined stop points and keeps the hub from wobbling after a few miles.

  • To pre-load the bearings, install the spindle washer and spindle nut onto the spindle with the hub and bearings in place. 

  • Tighten the spindle nut finger tight (until snug) and then with channel-lock pliers or a crescent wrench, tighten the spindle nut another 1/4 turn or about 15 to 20 ft pounds of torque. 

  • Now turn the hub ten revolutions.  This will fully seat the races. 
  • Now loosen the spindle nut very loose, then re-snug to finger tight, and engage the nut retaining device (some reverse lubricating spindles use a tab washer for the retaining device).

Replacement trailer parts for your boat or utility trailer.  We offer a variety of trailer parts such as axles, springs, hubs, lights, jacks, and more!  Don't forget our custom built galvanized boat trailer axles for an exact fit to your trailer.  

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