question regarding servicing bearings on m416a trailer

[Jevy]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently building both an older model cj and a m416a trailer with a RTT. I have most of the big stuff already done on the trailer but I have not messed with hubs/bearings on the trailer yet. I was just curious if I could get some suggestions for which way to go to prep the trailer for making it road worthy. I've never messed with hubs or wheel bearings before and think I understand what races are but just curious what should I all be planning to do while in there? Should I go ahead and swap bearings/seals??? Also has anyone used buddy bearings on their 416??? I've had them on boat trailers and always made things easy. I guess what I'm asking is where do I start and just how much stuff do I need to get gathered up to tackle this project???

Any advice/tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dlh62c]

I'd replace everything. Both the inner and outer races, the bearings and the seal on each wheel. It'll give you piece of mind. If the removed races and bearings look and feel ok, pack those as spares. The races will be the biggest headache. I've had good luck driving them out using a brass punch.

Every part should have a number stamped on it. A place like 'Bearing Headquarters should be able to help you out with replacement bearings, races and seals: http://bearingheadquarters.com/locations.asp

Youtube is your friend:
M416 Trailer drum break and hub service video 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbkSwBet2ao
How To Change Boat Trailer Bearings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMX3m-uZcr8

daryl

 

[Jevy]

Thanks Daryl!!! I chose to not keep the drum break so that's ok headache I can avoid. I hope to maybe get on the trailer right at the first of the year. Thanks again!!!

 

[MakersTeleMark]

It's covered in the TM:

http://www.pedros.cz/M416/manual-m416a.pdf

 

[Hill Bill E.]

If the bearings are good, then they just need to be cleaned and repacked with fresh grease.

The seal should be replaced.

But, like Daryl said, all new bearings and races would be great piece of mind, (my M416 is 45 years old) and the old ones can be kept as spares.

As far as servicing them, it's the same procedure as the front of older Jeeps, matter of fact, the M416 uses the same bearings and spindle nuts as the early CJ2A's. (some use the same size bearings for the inner and outer, some use larger diameter bearings for the inner. smaller for the outer)

A good way to carry the old bearings as spares, is to clean them, pack them with grease, then stick them in a ziplock bag, and then into a small crush proof container. If needed, the bearings are greased and ready to go.

 

[Jevy]

My spindle is showing a little sign of wear. Is it possible to clean it up with emery cloth or dremel tool? I can't tell by looking at it if the spindle can be replaced? If cleaning or spindle isn't an option then I guess I have to get a new axle????? Any help would be appreciated. I hate to have to buy a new axle unless it's absolutely necessary.

 

[Jevy]

bearings and seals came in today. I've started an axle swap job on the jeep today so it will likely be a few days until I get the bearings finished up.

 

[Jevy]

quick question. I have a bearing packing tool coming but when I put the packed bearings and seals in the hub am I suppose to entirely fill up the hub with grease prior to putting the outer cap on? I think the answer is yes but just wanted to double check

 

[Hill Bill E.]

I don't fill it, I do just like 'Verkstad', and stuff a little extra inside the hub, between the bearings.

On my CJ however, I did drill and tap the hubs for zerk fittings, and once I have packed the bearings, reassmbled the hub (but before I install the lock out*) I fill the center with grease.

Having it full of grease does not create heat through friction. What it does do, is keep water/moisture out.

Where there is grease, there cannot be water, so by having the hubs full of grease, they hold up better.

I use the trailer as my basecamp, but my CJ see's a lot of water crossings when out west (it is illegal here in MN to cross a river by driving through it)

* the reason for leaving the lock out off, is so you know when the hub is full of grease, and you don't blow out the spindle seal.

 

[Hill Bill E.]

My spindle is showing a little sign of wear. Is it possible to clean it up with emery cloth or dremel tool? .

depends what you mean by 'wear'. You can use some emery cloth, but go light.

As long as the bearing race(s) fits snug, and not sloppy, the spindle is OK.

 

[JKJenn]

I started an M416 maintenance playlist on Youtube a while back.