bearing question II

[Mr. 16 gauge]

How crucial is it to have a washer between the outermost bearing and the nut that holds the works onto the axle? I have one trailer that came with the washers, and the other didn't......I have searched high and low for a two damn washers to fit, and have come up empty. When I put the nut on without the washers, and tighten it down and put the cotter pin in place, there is no play in the hub. Good to go, or should I wait until I can possibly find some washer to fit? Thanks in advance.

[Andy L]

What kind of reel is it?

[Mr. 16 gauge]

It's not a reel.....it's a boat trailer.

[Andy L]

Well, I was wondering what you were talking about. :D

Some of the older baitcasters had a nut on the outside of the "hub" which I thought you may be calling the "axle".

Sorry bud, I know nothing about trailers.

Andy

[TreeDoc]

This is old but the first time I read it. It would be very crucial to have that washer in place. Washers in this case distribute the load over the entire diameter of the bearing and force it evenly against the race. Without it you a putting a great deal of lateral pressure on the inner portion of the bearing only and that will cause very premature bearing wear and heat and ultimately failure in the worst place. You'll figure it all out when you feel that thud and pull as you watch an errant tire and wheel pass you by at high speed. This generally happens about halfway to the lake on the only day off you've had or will have in months.

[BILLY D.]

MOST FARM IMPLEMENT STORES CARRY THAT TYPE OF THING FOR TRAILER WHEELS. AT LEAST THE ONES AROUND HERE DO. ALSO ANY PLACE THE SELLS BOAT OR RV'S.