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Shoddy Hub Re-pack Job (local garage mechanic) |
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Infinite5ths 
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Joined: August-12-2011 Location: Cary, NC Status: Offline Points: 74 |
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 Topic: Shoddy Hub Re-pack Job (local garage mechanic)Posted: September-28-2011 at 2:40am |
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Dad and I just re-did most of the trailer hub repack work that was previously completed by a supposed professional garage mechanic. We had the re-pack done by the garage because I didn't have all the tools (sturdy jack, jack-stands, etc.) and didn't feel comfortable doing it myself with no prior experience.
This morning, when hooking up the trailer to head for the lake, I noticed one of my EZ-Lube dust covers (the metal part - not just the rubber plug) was missing. So I bought new covers this afternoon and decided to replace them and re-grease the hubs just in case. Long story short: When I jacked up the trailer (using my little bottle jack from the Jeep) to re-grease, BOTH wheels were loose beyond belief (~1/2" of play). This was AFTER at least one highway trip, and AFTER I had already caught and fixed an incorrectly set tang washer. We never would have known the extent of the problem except that a grease cap fell off and I decided to both replace the cap AND re-grease. Thank GOD I caught all of this, before we lost a wheel mid-trip. Next time, I'll do it myself. 
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sweet77
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Joined: January-06-2011 Location: Florida Status: Offline Points: 666 |
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Posted: September-28-2011 at 12:18pm |
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might want to mention the shop for the NCguys on here beware!!!!
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Keeganino
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Joined: October-27-2009 Location: North Carolina Status: Offline Points: 2063 |
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Posted: September-28-2011 at 3:34pm |
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When it comes to my boat and trailer I have become a do it yourselfer. NOBODY else is going to take the care and time you will. Well except maybe some of your CC buddies!
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"working on these old boats may not be cost effective but as it shows its what it brings into your life that matters" -Roger
1973 Skier |
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Infinite5ths
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Joined: August-12-2011 Location: Cary, NC Status: Offline Points: 74 |
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Posted: September-28-2011 at 5:17pm |
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DIY or CCF
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Keeganino
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Joined: October-27-2009 Location: North Carolina Status: Offline Points: 2063 |
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Posted: September-28-2011 at 5:54pm |
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Marty helped me do my bearings and about a hundred other things. Cannot say enough about the community on this website and their willingness to teach and help others. What lake do you usually go to Mike? I hit Jordan twice this year, but its not my favorite. Maybe because I have not found that secret cove yet that has nice flat water. We went to Kerr Lake in June and really enjoyed it.
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"working on these old boats may not be cost effective but as it shows its what it brings into your life that matters" -Roger
1973 Skier |
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Infinite5ths
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Joined: August-12-2011 Location: Cary, NC Status: Offline Points: 74 |
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Posted: September-28-2011 at 11:23pm |
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We normally are at Jordan. The secret is not a special cove. There are some nice sections in the south part of the lake (near the dam), provided you navigate the channel & islands to get there and watch for debris. But the real secret is timing. Get there while the rest of the world is still asleep and even the giant open area near Ebeneezer is beautiful. ;-)
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Keeganino
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Joined: October-27-2009 Location: North Carolina Status: Offline Points: 2063 |
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Posted: September-29-2011 at 3:55am |
That seems to be the case on all large public lakes. Belews Creek is my spot, but you will rarely catch me there on a weekend. So back to your dilemma, have you got your bearings situated? Marty and I did mine in about an hour. He made me do all the work, but he showed me how to do it. The tools were basic and the new parts were cheap. What does your screen name mean? Reminds me of the circle of fifths in context to music notes. |
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"working on these old boats may not be cost effective but as it shows its what it brings into your life that matters" -Roger
1973 Skier |
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Infinite5ths
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Joined: August-12-2011 Location: Cary, NC Status: Offline Points: 74 |
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Posted: September-29-2011 at 4:50am |
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I think the bearings are OK. We reinstalled the tang washers properly, so that the castle nuts were not binding on them. Then everything tightened up snug (no play). The castle nut was then backed off from snug just enough to allow free wheel rotation, but no excess play.
Once the whole thing was reassembled, we pumped fresh grease through the entire assembly (EZ-Lube Dexter axle/spindle), being careful to spin the wheel the whole time. Several inspections of the rear seals showed no leakage. The hubs were warm, but not hot, to the touch when I arrived at the lake this morning (20min drive at 45-60MPH). There were no leaks or missing parts at the ramp, after retrieval or when I got home. Just to be certain, I bought an IR thermometer gun today to keep an eye on the hub temps. I needed one anyway because of some recent trouble with dragging brake pads on my car. The brakes are fixed (by a brake specialist - the dealer neither caught or correctly diagnosed the problem); but I want to keep tabs on my wheel temps to avoid any future trouble. EDIT: The screen name is of musical origin. I'm a concert violinist by profession. In addition to the "Circle of 5ths", the violin's strings are tuned in 5ths. I'm also a BIG fan of ballet, and "5th Position" is a basic part of ballet dance technique. So 5ths are everywhere for me: Infinite5ths. |
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KRoundy
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Joined: August-23-2010 Location: Lake Stevens Status: Offline Points: 1702 |
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Posted: September-30-2011 at 8:35pm |
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Cool story with your screen name.
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Previous: 1993 Electric Blue/Charcoal Ski Nautique
Current: 2016 Ski Nautique 200 Open Bow |
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Infinite5ths
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Joined: August-12-2011 Location: Cary, NC Status: Offline Points: 74 |
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Posted: September-30-2011 at 9:22pm |
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Thanks folks! I checked the hub temps today and they are hovering in the mid to high 90s after the 20min highway drive (mostly at 60MPH). Nothing has fallen off; and no leaks. So it seems we're OK now.
As always - thanks so much for the support and advice. The lake was amazing today. |
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8122pbrainard
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Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41045 |
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Posted: September-30-2011 at 9:26pm |
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Mike,
You're cool on the hub temps. Go for it!!
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eric lavine
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Joined: August-13-2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 13413 |
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Posted: October-01-2011 at 10:50am |
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I really dont know if I would admit being a fan of the arts, but again I'll throw
a pair of panties on now and then lol just messing with you, my daughter recently started violin lessons |
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"the things you own will start to own you"
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Infinite5ths wrote: