How to Determine Correct Parts for Bearing Kit for 3500 lb Trailer Axle

Question:

I bought an old trailer that Im completely redoing and Im not 100 sure on what bearing kit to get. Its a 1989 hooper car hauler with 3500 lbs axles. The spindle is tapered and the outer is about an inch and the inner is about 1 3/8 maybe 1 1/4.

asked by: Lucas E

Expert Reply:

For your 1989 Hooper car hauler with 3500 lb axles, there are a couple of possibilities. The best way to determine the correct parts is to disassemble a hub on one side of the trailer and get the bearing part numbers off the bearings that are on the spindle.

If you cannot get the reference numbers off the bearings, you will need to measure the journal surfaces of the spindle and match those up with the inner diameter of the available bearings. Precise measurements are needed, so a digital caliper is the recommended measuring tool.

I put together a drawing showing where part numbers are and/or how to measure to determine the correct parts for trailer hub and drum assemblies, see link.

Once we know the correct bearing and seal parts, we can determine the correct races and grease cap for your axles.

expert reply by: Chris O