Boat trailer wheel bearings

Question

i have a small old john boat the trailer wheel bearings have a seal on the back side of the axle (tire) but on the front side when you take of the nut there is bearings with no seal only a washer in front of the bearings.is there suppose to be a seal there also?

Answer 1

Most small trailers do not have a seal under the washer.

Just use waterproof grease to pack the bearings, and it will be fine.

Answer 2

no, you need a dust cap at least, or preferably, bearing buddies.  either way, they're an interference fit -- you just whack 'em on with a rubber mallet.  The bearing buddies have a springloaded pressure plate and a grease zert so you can make sure they stay greased.  pump in just enough grease until you see the pressure plate start to move.  Too much will blow out the rear seal.  The grease under pressure prevents water entering the hub.  Then before each outing, you push against the plate with your finger -- if it doesn't move, just pump in a little grease.