I go to my local trailer shop once a year and have both hubs replaced with new ones. I keep a couple of spares rebuilt and lubed and in large ziplock bags in my toolbox. Once I had to replace a hub along side the road, it took me probably 30 minutes from start to finish. I didn't have to break down the old hub, just pull it, clean/grease the spindle and install new hub. A cordless Dewalt drill with a socket that fits lug nuts works wonders for snugging the lug nuts, then just use the lug wrench and/or torque wrench.

I would at least get those bolts free and replaced. Hate to have them seize on you when you need to change a tire. The wheel looks pretty bad, probably structurally ok, but better safe than sorry. I would replace the hub and the bearing buddy.

btw, the "bra" for the bearing buddy is to keep from slinging grease all over your boat in the event of a failure/leak, and to keep water and debris out.

I would replace those studs. It's a real bummer when they start busting off while your totin it down the big road. Replace the bearings and races, they are cheap insurance. as far as the wheel goes, if it aint cracked, bead blast it and repaint it.

What does it cost to have both hubs redone?

Most places charge an hour's labor, plus parts. $80-100 bucks normally.

Mike halfmann the boatman has it right, thats exactly the way I have done all my bearings for 35 yrs. on many trailers and never had a problem except for blowing out the back seal on one by not paying attention to what i was doing. the best advise was the MYSTIC GREASE this is what the oilfield uses to lube rigs and if you think bearings take a beating think about 100,000# of pressure on a drill stem. mystic is by far the best grease and oil on the market. just my nickels worth of advice

I even have bearing buddies on my stock and utility trailers. I grease them at least every couple of months and it has been a lot of years since I have had bearing problems.

how do i check if the bearings are good or not on the trailer i just bought?

I've seen a lot of guys over grease their buddy bearings. If you keep adding grease and your seals are not leaking, sooner or later it's going to pop a seal. Visually inspect your wheels front and back side for grease leaks, that is the key. Once the seal is blown (OK waiting for a joke) water has a place to enter the hub. Also keep and eye on the full indicators on the buddy bearing cap.

what do you mean by full indicators?thanks

It depends on the brand of buddy bearing. Some are a clear cap and you can see a plunger inside that has a mark you fill to. Some will have the grease zerk that moves as you fill and there will be a colored fill indicator. Hope this helps.

You got to pull them. Check and see if they are deformed. That does not always happen if they are bad, but it does help.

Haha this post really is the winner of the oldest still posting post ! 2005-present lol.

ok great so sounds like we should all get a group together and have a class because I have no idea what im doing and im not even going to try and screw up that one

I agree with this last post! Lots of info. Keep it simple to avoid problems in future!

Need a how to with pictures.I"m not a mechanic but willing to learn how to do this.

OK.. Just ask and I'll try to find it for you.

I found a link with Pictures to illustrate each step for changing trailer bearings!

http://www.etrailer.com/faq_wheelbearingpack.aspx

Enjoy

Bazz

tHANKS A BUNCH FOR THE WEBSITES . nOW THAT'S AN EXAMPLE OF HOW A FORUM CAN REALLY BE OF HELP TO PEOPLE. i'VE PRINTED THE INSTRUCTIONS FROM BOTH THE SITES MENTIONED AND AM CONFIDENT i CAN NOW TEND TO MY BEARING NEEDS. i'VE BEEN WORRYING ABOUT IT LATELY BECAUSE i KNOW i'M OVERDUE TO TEND TO THEM.

just bought spare hub 4 1/2x5 with all bearings and grease seal at red neck trailer supply for $78.16 including tax.Good to have a spare.

Mystic JT-6 Hi-Temp red.

I have just finished reading this entire post. Very interesting info, however, I have a 2000 Ranger w/dual axle Rangertrail trailer with the Cool Hub system. Although there were several posts mentioning them, no one offered any advice as to service, replacing the oil, seals, etc. I have owned the rig for over 6 years and have never changed oil or serviced them in any way. I could call Ranger boats for help but thought others on this sight may have experience and perhaps could offer some suggestions. I also have brakes on the rear wheels on the trailer and have never checked them either. Should they be replaced periodically as with vehicles? My normal trips are 45 to 65 miles (one way) and fish 10-12 times per season. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Where can you purchase Mystic grease?

Can one of you guys explain what the cool hubs are? I've got a 07 Triton 21X2. The sales rep told me as I picked it up to just look at the clear hubs and if the color was anything but black, to bring it in immediately. Unfortunately if I get a wrench or screwdriver in hand, somethings usually about to break