Hunter Compact wheel bearing seal?

[MattLang]

Hi everybody - I have a Hunter Compact fiberglass trailer which I recently took to the tire shop to have the wheel bearings repacked. Apparently there is a rubber gasket seal that was torn in the process and they are unable to find the proper size to replace it. I am hoping someone has a suggestion, since this trailer is so old!

Thanks - Matt

[AC0GV]

Originally Posted by MattLang

Hi everybody - I have a Hunter Compact fiberglass trailer which I recently took to the tire shop to have the wheel bearings repacked. Apparently there is a rubber gasket seal that was torn in the process and they are unable to find the proper size to replace it. I am hoping someone has a suggestion, since this trailer is so old!

Thanks - Matt

First of all the seal has a part number on it, second a good parts man will take measurements and find one to fit. On my utility trailer the BEARINGS were wrong even with the part number. The parts person(O’Reilly Auto Parts) took the time to measure and find one in the listings that matched.
Also I would replace seals when packing bad or not.

[Darwin Maring]

You went to the wrong place to have your work done.
Any good mechanic will be able to pack the bearings and get the correct parts.

[floyd]

That axle has a straight 1"spindle.
Newer ones are slightly larger like 1-1/16" or 1-1/8"
The right size is still available at parts stores or boat shops.
You should mic the spindle and the hub to be positive. Yours is a common issue, but the parts are still available in blisterpacks and individual seals

[Mike_L]

I don't repack bearing any longer. If a bearing lacks sufficient grease they often wear excessively and the play that develops often damages the integrity of the seal. Bearings are cheap, usually less than the labor charged for a repack. Bearings are easy to replace yourself.
As previously mentioned, check the axle for wear as it may not be worth rebuilding. The cost of a new axle is miniscule compared to the cost of a vehicle recovery should failure occur during travel. That's a lesson I learned the hard way! Check out your options and decide which one is most likely to work for you.

[sandunes123]

We ended up replacing the entire axel with a new stronger one with sealed bearings, and lug nuts that tighten normally and securely. The original axel was flimsy and seemed to have been made to tow a boat trailer. Surprisingly it was not too expensive to replace around $600. Also now, we have 6 ply rated tires on it and tow our Hunter trailer safely and with more confidence.