After 20 years of use without pulling a hub I am about to go ahead and hand pack my bearings. The 2 things I am concerned with are getting the buddies off without damaging the hub and locating seals and bearing to fit. I figure that I would just light tap the buddy on all sides until it came out of the hub. I have an OK trailer and they have been long out of business. I would like to buy a spare set of bearing or even a complete hub assembly. I had one on the prior boat and it came in handy once. I figured I could either buy a micrometer or carry the bearings down to Northern Tool.

The bearings should have a universal number on them that indicates what size they are.

The bearings and seals will have part numbers stamped on the backs of them, and I wouldnt beat on the bearing buddies with a sledge or anything, but we arnt exactly that ginger with ours, just wack it with a mallet untill it comes off. Also If you are going to replace the bearings, you need to put new races as well. Good luck

matt

If I replace the bearings I had planned on races also. The main thing that I am concerned about is having a spare set, replacing the seals, & getting the buddies back on the hubs.

You got 20 years of service from your bearings and never pulled off the hub? WOW!

not going much is he? you need a good size hammer to get the buddies back and some patience and some cuss words

Suggestion on removing/installing bearing buddies: Use a 2X4. To get them off put the 2X4 next to the BB and tap the wood, not the BB to loosen it. To install it put the BB in place, the 2X4 on top of it and hit the wood. It will pop right back into place and won't hurt the BB.

If you can read the number on the bearing and Northern doesn't have it, call Motion Industries or A&W Bearing in Garland. Either one can get them.

Artie

A rubber mallet works great to remove and replace bearing buddies. Just hit on one side and then on the opposite and repeat until it comes off.

The back and forth taps are what I figured. As far as not going much this boat has been to Fork & Texoma many times. I have never towed it a real long distance though. I have just been very careful about keeping grease in the hubs and not over filling them.