The never-ending project to fill my hole in the ocean while bailing it out

The Trailer Decision - Page 2
(Apparently rebuilding a trailer . . . incrementally!)

Description

With only a few more more weeks left in Season '05, I've again begun preparing to haul out, thinking ahead to what's going to need to be done to store Chip Ahoy for another winter. I'd been considering buying a new trailer, but decided to make the best of what I've got for another year, especially since Wally Riddle ("Carpe Diem") volunteered to tow Chip Ahoy up to Maine and back this summer for my annual extended cruise, using his new trailer!  (Sep. 21, 2005)

For all the trailering I do -- a mile to the boatyard or launch ramp in the spring to put Chip Ahoy in the water, another in the fall to haul-out -- I've decided to replace the wheel bearings, wheels, tires and call it good enough for another year.

I jacked up the trailer this morning and left it on jack stands, then removed its wheels.  Next, I've got to remove the bearings and races . . . as soon as I figure out how to remove the grease caps or whatever those are.

How can you beat the discussion group?  I asked my question, and got a number of responses with the solution of how to remove the "grease caps" within an hour -- the first ones within minutes!  First, they're called "bearing buddies" not grease caps.  Then, to remove them, I had to just tap lightly with a hammer while turning the hub and they gradually walked out, like dust caps.

The left spindle seems to be in perfect condition, the drum slid right off.

The right spindle is a bit worse for wear and took some wrestling after removing the front bearing to pull the rear bearing loose and the drum off.

There's some pitting on the spindle, and the back race is a bit more scored.

Chip Ahoy's trailer has a Bearing Buddy axle.

Two views of where the axle connects to the spindle.

The tires and rims are in terrible condition.  I don't trust them to make even that mile's drive to launch and haul-out, so will replace them too.

The rubber of the tire is rotted and cracked, over-ripe for a blow-out.

Mission accomplished.  New bearings, races, oil seals, rims and tires.  It cost $20 for the two tires and rims from my buddy "Beaver," who owns Naumkeag Salvage in Salem -- and who's the brother of Monica, whom I visited on my Maine cruise this year.  (Sep. 27, 2005)