It Pays to Check....

[Kevin245]

I pulled a PM on a used trailer I up picked recently. The first hub was pulled and the bearings removed. The outer looked pretty good, but the inner was a bit of a surprize.

It looks like a PO had driven the inner bearing with a punch to get the bearing seal out and damaged the roller cage. The scary part is that they simply re-installed it.

The cage was deformed enough that it came in to contact with the race as evident by the shiny spot.

Picking up a new set and grease seals today.

Don't overlook your wheel bearings.

Regards,

Kevin

[Melody Ranch]

Great catch! I would bet that very, very, few shops would have caught the damageed bearing. I have even seen those shop employees grease the bearings without even cleaning them first.

[boondockdad]

It doesn't need to be a 'used' model, either. Good friend just picked up a brand-spanking-new SOB this past May. Shortly after taking possesion, suffered a blow-out, on interstate, 10 hours from home- only to find running gear on both axles had melted to junk from not having greased bearings.

[mwells4654]

I understand most of the acronyms but what is an SOB? New here and learning new things all the time.

[boondockdad]

standard old box

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by mwells4654

I understand most of the acronyms but what is an SOB? New here and learning new things all the time.

SOB also means "Some Other Brand".

Andy

[kennethowens]

Tires - where the rubber meets the road.
Bearings - where the metal totes the load.
You bet it pays to check!

[CanoeStream]

Originally Posted by finalcutjoe

It doesn't need to be a 'used' model, either. Good friend just picked up a brand-spanking-new SOB this past May. Shortly after taking possesion, suffered a blow-out, on interstate, 10 hours from home- only to find running gear on both axles had melted to junk from not having greased bearings.

In mid 2005 Airstream had problems just like this with their long-time supplier, Henschen. It turned into a very expensive problem due to many, many axles supplied with dry bearings. My Safari has Dexter axles because Airstream switched to Dexters for 6-7 months until Henschen got their QC issues straightened out.

[boondockdad]

Bob,

I had read about that... unfortunate.
Although- Rockwood reimbursed him for a pair of new axles, brakes, remote installation, and new tire.
Wonder if A/S did the same...

[CanoeStream]

Originally Posted by finalcutjoe

Wonder if A/S did the same...

I recall that they most certainly did. Every single one would have had to fail well within the warranty period. I'm surprised they survived the transport from factory to dealership.