How to Determine Which Replacement Bearings for 1998 EZ Loader Boat Trailer

Question:

I need to replace the wheel bearings in my 1998 EZ Loader trailer but can’t find a part number or anything to tell me which size I need. The VIN is: 1L81SJX28WA024172. Thanks for any help!

asked by: Josh

Helpful Expert Reply:

I called up EZ Loader trailers for you, and given the age of your Sea Ray boat trailer they unfortunately didn't have any information about which specific wheel bearings it used. It's not the end of the world, though. We can still pretty easily figure out what you need.

I was told your trailer has a 3700 lb capacity torsion axle, which would likely use a # L44649 outer and # L68149 inner bearing. The grease seal is most likely # 168233. You'll need to examine your existing bearings/spindle/hub to confirm by taking some measurements. These measurements need to be very accurate, so I'd recommend using a digital caliper like # PTW80157.

To confirm this, take a look at the side of the bearing cages, you hopefully will be able to see the bearing reference numbers etched on the bearing cage. If not, measure the inside diameter of the bearing. The # L68149 bearing has an inside diamter of 1.378 inches, the # L44649 has an ID of 1.063. If these are the dimensions you find, you've confirmed the replacement bearings.

To confirm the grease seal, measure the inside diameter of the hub bore where the grease seal sits, as well as the journal surface of the spindle where the seal rides. If the hub bore measures 2.332 inches and the journal surface of the spindle measures about 1.688, you've confirmed the # 168233 seal fit.

If the bearings and seal I mentioned above do not match up, please let me know the inside diameter of the inner and outer bearing, as well as the hub bore diameter for the grease seal and the diameter of the spindle where the seal rides, and I'd be happy to make a suggestion.

I've provided a photo/diagram showing the relevant dimensions needed.