!972 Safari 23ft dual axle wheel bearing size

[Mx468]

Does anyone know the correct wheel bearing size to get for a 72, 23ft safari airstream, 15" wheels, dual axle? Can't find the info anywhere and I'm too lazy to take off a tire and check, Just hoping to see if someone else recently greased and changed out their bearings. Thanks.

[tjdonahoe]

Take one off and look at them while repacking...

[Mx468]

That is my next step. I was going to order them first than change them out. I guess I better get off my lazy butt and check them tomorrow.

[Mx468]

Just checked my bearings and they were all good so far, only had time to do one side. When tightening the castle nut I tightened by hand all the way and then backed off a eighth of an inch to allow the cotter pin to go through. The wheel rotates without too much resistance, but the nut seems a little loose, Is that ok? Thanks.

[TomKirk]

Casting numbers on brake drum/rotor can be converted to wheel bearings and seals by Six Robblees in Seattle. They specialize in (component) trailer axle parts - all kinds, all sizes.

Tom

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by Mx468

Just checked my bearings and they were all good so far, only had time to do one side. When tightening the castle nut I tightened by hand all the way and then backed off a eighth of an inch to allow the cotter pin to go through. The wheel rotates without too much resistance, but the nut seems a little loose, Is that ok? Thanks.

Tighten with end wrench real tight while turning wheel, loosen, tighten with your fingers tite..insert cotter key...spin wheel ,I will have a small amount of play...

[cliffcharb]

I don't snug up used bearing too much as they have already been seated. I think you're fine. You don't want in and out movement

[Mx468]

Originally Posted by tjdonahoe

Tighten with end wrench real tight while turning wheel, loosen, tighten with your fingers tite..insert cotter key...spin wheel ,I will have a small amount of play...

This is exactly what I ended up doing. Thanks guys for your suggestions. I think PO slightly over tightened them. Bearings and races look and feel fine. On a side note I can't believe my axles were fine. When I jacked up the AS the wheels dropped about 3 inches.

[GCinSC2]

Somewhere in running gear section I put a link to setting up bearing adjustments, it's a video produced by Timken might want to look for it.

[JCWDCW]

As noted
Tighten with a wrench or pump pliers just snug enough to set the cones into the cups. Then back off just till you can get the cotter-pin into the castellated nut. Some times that gives bearings with no play and some times you get a few thousandth play. Either is acceptable. Pre-loaded bearings for industrial applications have no play whatsoever. You just do not want the cup and cone to be over tight otherwise the rollers will wear the cup and you get pitting and eventual failure.
JCW