Question about dealer wanting to service trailer

(pctarmor) · (pctarmor) **Join Date: Aug 2006** 10-15-2008, 10:34 PM

I dropped the Moomba off for winterization yesterday and the dealer asked if I wanted to get the trailer hubs cleaned and replaced with grease for 250 bucks. I have had the boat for 2 years and haven't done this yet. Is this something that is necessary? Has anyone done this themselves?

(ponte_06_x2) · (ponte_06_x2) **Join Date: Jan 2006** 10-15-2008, 11:14 PM

yeah, do it. i had my seals blow off my axles because i didn't service the breaks. im not sure what its called but the metal selves that allow my breaks to side were froze. they just needed some grease. better to pay the 250 then a much bigger towing bill to send your boat and trailer to a shop.

(bill_airjunky)

Did it years ago. It's a nasty friggin mess to do. Get some rubber gloves. Or just pay the $250.

(mbouchard) · (mbouchard) **Join Date: May 2006** 10-16-2008, 5:29 AM

you can do it yourself but - if you don't know what your doing it is a mess.

Pay them to do it - better than a wheel falling off on the interstate (burning the hub, swelling the aluminum wheels, breaking the steel lugs) after a long day of boarding.....

(boarditup) · (boarditup) **Join Date: Jan 2004** 10-16-2008, 10:26 AM

It takes about a hour to two your first time. Buy some seals and bearings and waterproof, lithium grease. You will need a can of brake cleaner a side and a roll of papertowels a side. It takes a few tools, so have them ready to go.

$250 is a bit pricey, but there is about $100 in parts and supplies. Worth it if you don't have the skills, tools, or time.

(topside_marine)

What kind of grease is in the hubs? Is it marine gease? Are the hubs full? Are the wheels heating up when you drive? Is the grease contaminated or has it been hot?

If the hubs are full and the grease is not contaminated or been overheated and the seals are intact.....sounds like a waste of money. Don't correct a problem if one does not exist.

On the other hand if you are not sure then go ahead and do it. In addition, you may want to inspect and repack your bearings. It's only money...

(chpthril) · (chpthril) **Join Date: Oct 2007** 10-16-2008, 11:09 AM

"If the hubs are full and the grease is not contaminated or been overheated and the seals are intact.....sounds like a waste of money. Don't correct a problem if one does not exist"

That's like saying "dont change your oil till the engine is knocking" Sorry topsidemarine, but this is just plain wrong advice, servicing the trailer is a preventative maintenance service.

If you fallow this advice, best get some Road Side Service that covers your trailer $.02

(topside_marine)

TigeMike,

We have used this methodology for many years(almost 40) and have as of yet to discover a problem with wheels or bearings that we have repaired or serviced. I will respectfully agree to disagree with your assessment.