Greetings, all- I was just putting the new year-registration sticker on the 170 yesterday and, since I was dealing in dates, realized she's coming up to her 6th birthday-- her being a '99 model. I don't think the guy who sold me my 170 (he was original owner) did anything toward servicing the bearings. Does anyone know how often/ and HOW bearings should be serviced on this size trailer? It's called a "MagicTilt". On my trailer-sail a couple weeks ago I thought, "Hmmmm, I hope the bearings get us home!" This is something I probably should have already attended to, but no time like the present... Also, has anyone replaced their 170's main halyard lately and if so, can you recommend a good line for this task? I just replaced my boat's original topping lift which was about shot, and the halyard's next on the list. Best, Gball
170 trailer bearings/Main halyard
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Thanks, Rick re: Bearings grease
Rick, thanks. So how DOES one keep grease on the bearings? Do I have to pry the little cap thingie off the doohickey (axle hub) and then pack grease in and replace the hub/axle cap? Again, I have no clue on this, but assume that's what you mean? Also, are Bearing Buddies threaded and simply screwed on over top of the existing hubs? I've seen them at West Marine but never quite evaluated how they're installed. Cheers, Mike
Rick, thanks. So how DOES one keep grease on the bearings? Do I have to pry the little cap thingie off the doohickey (axle hub) and then pack grease in and replace the hub/axle cap? Again, I have no clue on this, but assume that's what you mean? Also, are Bearing Buddies threaded and simply screwed on over top of the existing hubs? I've seen them at West Marine but never quite evaluated how they're installed. Cheers, Mike
The Bearings Must be Removed to Repack
It is Shade Tree Mechanics 101. Any car guy you know will show you how for a six pack and a sail. The Bearing Buddies (look for them at WalMart instead of West Marine) are spring loaded and help to push the grease into the bearings but will not substitute for hand packing them. As you pull your trailer the friction causes the bearings to get warm when you dunk the trailer the water cools them off and sucks water in as it does this is why it is so critical on boat trailers to repack them often. The bearin Buddies reduce this some what by always pushing grease into the bearings. A good practice is to set your boat up before you launch therby giving the bearings a chance to cool down. On your boat with such a light load the bearings should last forever and not be a problem if you keep them greased. Check this site out for help and look for "HUB PACKING PROCEDURE FOR "PLAIN" SPINDLE AXLES" http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html#packhubs
It is Shade Tree Mechanics 101. Any car guy you know will show you how for a six pack and a sail. The Bearing Buddies (look for them at WalMart instead of West Marine) are spring loaded and help to push the grease into the bearings but will not substitute for hand packing them. As you pull your trailer the friction causes the bearings to get warm when you dunk the trailer the water cools them off and sucks water in as it does this is why it is so critical on boat trailers to repack them often. The bearin Buddies reduce this some what by always pushing grease into the bearings. A good practice is to set your boat up before you launch therby giving the bearings a chance to cool down. On your boat with such a light load the bearings should last forever and not be a problem if you keep them greased. Check this site out for help and look for "HUB PACKING PROCEDURE FOR "PLAIN" SPINDLE AXLES" http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html#packhubs
Thanks, Rick
Thanks, Rick! I'll check out this info on packing trailer bearings, and head to Walmart! Good point on letting the bearings cool down- and I do indeed set-up the 170 first (meaning there's a 30-40 minute cooldown between arriving at the ramp and dippin' her in the water). Mike
Thanks, Rick! I'll check out this info on packing trailer bearings, and head to Walmart! Good point on letting the bearings cool down- and I do indeed set-up the 170 first (meaning there's a 30-40 minute cooldown between arriving at the ramp and dippin' her in the water). Mike
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