Conference unifix::sailing

    I've been using ordinary high temp wheel bearing grease that comes
    in tubs from the auto supply stores.  This has held up better than
    anything else when immersed in salt water.  On my dinghy dolly,
    an application on the open bearing races on the wheels were enough
    to keep them turning freely for five months of weekly salt water
    dunkings.  This worked so well I started using it on winches, traveler
    tracks, turnbuckles, tiller fittings, and anything else that needed
    lubrication or corrosion protection on the boat. 
    
    - gene

    Last year somebody gave me a little tube of Amzoil wheel bearing grease
    which I used on a problem winch.  The advantage of this stuff is that
    it works well in a salt-water environment.  It was great for the winch,
    and I'm told it's great for boat trailers too.
    
    Problem is I don't know where to find any more.  Wish I did, I'd like
    to use it on the winches again this season.
    
    Stuff looks kinda like grape jelly.  If anybody has any leads on where
    to find it please post it here.
    
    ... Bob
    

              <<< VICKI::SIE$DATA0:[NOTES$LIBRARY]BOATS.NOTE;1 >>>
================================================================================
Note 371.4          Proper grease for trailer wheel bearings?             4 of 7
SMAUG::LINDQUIST                                     17 lines  12-MAY-1989 09:12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
��Lithium grease is the recommended grease for your trailer bearings. It's a 
��"stringy" grease. I buy it in 5# tubs at auto parts suppliers.

    I don't think this is the right advice.  Automotive lithium
    grease is not waterproof.  Lubriplate (among others) make
    grease specifically for trailer wheel bearings.  It's called
    (cleverly)
    		Lubriplate
    		Boat Trailer
    		Wheel
    		Bearing
    		Grease

    It's noticeably different from lithium grease in color,
    consistency and (I assume) water resistance.

    	- Lee
              <<< VICKI::SIE$DATA0:[NOTES$LIBRARY]BOATS.NOTE;1 >>>
================================================================================
Note 371.7          Proper grease for trailer wheel bearings?             7 of 7
BTOVT::JPETERS "John Peters, DTN 266-4391"           13 lines  12-MAY-1989 12:32
                               -< Part No. 2260 >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    What I found is Itasca premium No. 2 white marine grease, Specialty Oil
    Company, Inc., Shreveport, Louisiana 71148
    
    "engineered specifically for applications in the marine, automotive,
    and recreational industries requiring protection against high
    temperature, high loads, and excessive water exposure.
        This lithium complex grease is disk brake approved, waterproof, and
    is additive treated to provide excellent rust, anti-wear, and shock
    loading protection."
    
    Of course, it still does not say explicitly that it's for wheel bearing
    applications...
    			J

Amzoil is great stuff; I've used it in a quite a few applications, with 
impressive results.  It's synthetic, although a different base chemical 
than Mobil 1 -- one's a glycol, the other an ester, and I can't remember 
which is which.  Amzoil is based in the upper midwest somewhere, and only
sold through independent distributors.  You might find a listing in a
local phone book, or try 1-800-555-1212 to see if they have a toll-free
listing. 

J.

    Johnson Marine (the stinkpot power people) sell a wheel bearing
    grease that doesn't come apart in salt water. I have used it on
    two trailers with excellent results.
    
    a $3.25 tube is good for about 4 sets of bearing and hubs.
    
    I get mine at Monohen Marine in Qunicy.
                                              
    john

    Look out for mixing grease types.  Lithium and sodium based greases are
    incompatible.  When mixed, one or both degrade, resulting in bearing
    failure.  Same may apply to synthetics.  Always clean all of the old
    grease out of wheel and bearings.
    					J

    I would like to inspect and repack the wheel bearing on a Dilly
    14' boat trailer. Since I'm "neophyte" to boat ownership I'd like
    some info..........I've serviced wheel bearings on cars, but never
    on a light duty trailer.
    
    -Is there an inner & outer bearing or just a single bearing per side. 
    
    -To remove the bearing for servicing, should this require using a 
     puller to remove the hub
    
    -What torque spec should be used for tighteniong the hub?
    
    Thanks for the help-
    
    Jonathan

    Just like a car. Inner and outter bearings, and the seal is on the
    inside one too! (don't forget to replace it)
    
    I ussally repack with MARINE BEARING grease (resists the salt water
    better) and tighten down slowly while turning the hub. When it will not
    turn anymore, I back off 1/4 - 1/2 turn (aligniing hole with nut) and
    then peg it with a NEW cotter pin.
    
    Don't forget to coat everything in there with grease. Lot more chance
    of corrosive moisture, and darn little heat since there are ussally is
    little to no use of brakes.
    
       john

    
    	PS if you don't already have `em, get bearing buddies; those caps
    with zerks threaded thru. You pump `em before you leave, and before and
    after dunking, and life will be wonderful. They make clear plastic as
    well as metal- I'd suggest the metal.
    	Scott; an ex trailorsailer