Trailer Wheel Getting Hot

This topic has 8 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 16 years, 9 months ago by Bass Cat Boats.

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August 23, 2009 at 3:43 pm #416715

CC
Participant

Pulled home from Amistad yesterday and noticed a strange smell when I backed into the garage. Smelled like plastic does when it gets hot. Anyway, walked around the trailer checking things, and I found that my rear, passenger side wheel was very hot. None of the other three wheels was more than just a little warm. I have a 2008 Puma, and the rear wheels on the trailer are the braking wheels. I dont know if the heat has to do with the brakes or the bearings or something else. I have to turn around an go back to Amistad for a tournament. Now I am nervous about breaking down on the road. Anybody have any advice on what I can do to diagnose/correct the problem? Thanks in advance. CC

August 23, 2009 at 3:49 pm #416717

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Yes, It sounds like the bearing is seizing up. You may have a seal out? Or could it be a disc grabbing? And how hot is this one. Have you checked them before and learned of similar heat issues, or have they been all the same temperatures. The brake axle should he warm, and the non brake axle should be almost ambient. There is a post below on failure and why. Plus there is more information on bearings in the FAQ section. To us it sounds like a pull the disc and have a seal thrown in the back with some new bearings. These are guaranteed by UFP for a period of time we do not recall. As long as you have not busted the seal prior. The Service Dept. will be glad to assist you on the parts if you are distanced from a dealership. Since we do not know your location. If no dealer is close, most any automotive shop can help. You may have to stick it in the bay for them and tow it there for them as often they are hitch limited.

August 23, 2009 at 3:50 pm #416720

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Also do you use the Bearing Buddy caps or not? And has it slung grease from this wheel in the past? Just for our knowledge.

August 23, 2009 at 4:04 pm #416722

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

No slung grease. The caps are under the cover so I dont know if they are bearing buddy or not. I read on here to leave them alone and I have. I check the temp on all the wheels every time I stop for gas. I didnt yesterday because it was raining where I gassed up. As you said, the rear wheels are usually a little warmer. The wheel this time was not so hot that it would boil water. Just noticeably hotter than it has ever been before. I am going to go jack up the trailer and try to spin the wheel and see if it is binding. I can pull the wheel and check the seal. I am not 100% positive I know what I am looking for. Any other advice? CC

August 23, 2009 at 5:37 pm #416724

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Ahh! Now you sound more cautious than in a tight. We would jack it up and spin it, listening for noise and such. Pull it a short distance around home without hard braking and check the temps then after a brief trip. Then make a decision. We pull them all the time without a concern and we check the temps and if a brake has hung we will watch it the next time we stop. Often it is a brake just grabbing a bit that heats up the rotors. BCB

August 24, 2009 at 5:39 am #416726

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

I like the idea of jacking both rear wheels up (one at a time) and spinning them. Spin the “good one” first. The smell suggests to me that you might have a brake caliper that has stuck. The “floating calipers” have been problematic at times, as the two floating pins can get dirty, rusty, etc, and the caliper will grab and then not release properly. My son has a Mustang that is famous for this problem. We carefully clean and grease the pins and holes they go thru every time we touch the brakes. If you spin and listen, you can tell whether it is grabbing the brake disk or not. A stuck caliper will definitely produce a stink as it is wearing the brake pad continually.2008 Pantera Classic2014 Mercury Pro XS 200

August 24, 2009 at 1:00 pm #416728

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

That is why the vehicle manufacturers often dont warranty brake pads on vehicles, that and peoples driving habits can tend to wear them prematurely. Especially the Mustang, Challenger and Camaro type of vehicles, for some reason? Though if it is hanging and not releasing, it is a warranty item. If your distanced from your dealership or dont want to take time to go see them this week, they would be happy to help in Service here if they can. BCB

August 24, 2009 at 7:14 pm #416730

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

My starboard side wheel is always hot when I get to the lake or home and I only live 30 min away.I picked my Sabre and trailer up the end of may.I am assuming these bearings are packed at the factory,never had a trailer with brakes on my other boats so this is all new to me,dont know who works on trailer brakes,guess the dealer will.I dont touch nothing with a wrench cause if I do it will not work again

August 24, 2009 at 9:09 pm #416732

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Still laughing.
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