Old caravan bearings

[Carvamfallingapart]

Hello

Wondering if anyone has any ideas or advice, got my caravan a few years back and joining the forum as a bit concerned by it

I have an old caravan - 1993

When I jack the caravan up and turn the wheels they both sound and feel a bit rough

If I pull on the wheels they seem solid and do not move,

If I tow the caravan the wheels (axles) do not get hot - at least not as hot as my car wheels

Last year we greased the bearings the best we could (not sealed bearings)

Is it fair to assume I have bad bearings

The caravan is old so trying not to spend to much money on it but equally I do not want a wheel to fall of when towing

Any thoughts would be much appreciated

Ta

James

 

[Jcloughie]

Not knowing the history or mileage done it’s hard to advise. Except that to change bearings and seals is not mega expensive but a press makes life 1000% easier. So if concerned. Perhaps it best to change them.

John

 

[JTQ]

Have you or somebody done them up too tight?
I would be happier if I could actually just find a minute amount of play at the wheel out edge. Not a clonk but the very slightest trace.
The castellated nut should be done up finger tight and the split pin fitted there or only by one slot backwards.

With them out it is easy to inspect them for break up, normally first evident on the inner cones.

 

[Thingy]

Couldnt hurt to put new bearings on. When you say rough, is it a rumbling feel in and around the bearings, or maybe its something else, such as worn out brake shoes.

 

[Carvamfallingapart]

I have not taken the hubs back off to have a full look

I towed the caravan last year but this year because of covid I have not been using the caravan

As its been standing I lifted the caravan using an axle jack to turn the wheels (heard if standing for a while best to move the wheels a bit)

Then I noted the rumbling, I have taken the wheels off but not the hubs (if that makes sense) to get the hubs off I need to get my Dad to give me a hand as he did it last time

Think when we greased the bearings last time they were a bit noisy but he said should go once the grease sets in, but still noisy

(Seem noisier later in the year when I spun them after standing than when I last used the caravan last year, spun them then to when I put the old tyres on for winter storage)

Sorry for the rambling reply

 

[Carvamfallingapart]

I think it's fair to assume I'm going to have to get the hubs off and have a better look, just a bit of a pain as not sure how to do it myself and the caravan is 40 minutes away in a storage yard

Thanks for everyones help and replies

 

[JTQ]

With a 1993 caravan this video should give you what to expect to find, if as I suspect it uses conical bearings; I can't stress how important it is these are not over tightened, doing that will quickly wreck them.

LINK

 

[Beachball]

Hi James welcome to the forum you should receive a answer to your question i am not handy with my hands

 

[Carvamfallingapart]

Thanks for that video link,

I have been looking but that explains it better than the other ones I have seen

Ta

 

[Kevin M]

Due to my other hobby being classic cars ( and has been for far too many years!) my advice would be that when servicing hubs (and motorcycle headstocks) with conical bearings, I’ve always found that a good clean after stripping is essential to allow a good inspection to be done. Also, use the best grease that you can get, and use a new split pin.
It’s a bit of an art to set them up and comes from trial and error but not out of the realm of a good home mechanic.
Good luck

Kev

 

[Jcloughie]

To simply replace isn’t that exorbitant. These may not be the exact sets, but give an idea of the cost.

John

 

[Carvamfallingapart]

Thanks for both your responses, going from the above video it now makes more sense when people say to check that they are not to tight, not sure what they meant before

Also if I can get the old bearings off then for £17 it would make sense to just swap them over

Ta

 

[Jcloughie]

It is possible to drift the old shells out. But it’s an easy job with a press and a selection of dowels and rings. (Or whatever they are called). Most garages will have these. I would try a local family type garage, perhaps you could take the hubs and new shells in to be done. Get a price first. It’s not a big job with the right kit.

John

 

[Carvamfallingapart]

I have thought along those lines and I know a mechanic who works from his house who could do it, might confirm the bearings then if they need changing then leave it to him

Think not having caravan wheels falling of down the motorway would be a good thing 🤔

 

[Kevin M]

If you man strips one side, look for a reference number stamped into the outer race, if not, measure them up and look at a supplier like :

Bearings - All Bearing Types and Sizes - Simply Bearings

simplybearings.co.uk

We have a local factor that is very helpful with old bearings (classic cars etc)

Remember, when reassembling, cleanliness and patience is everything.

Kev