New boat owner, trailer issues

I recently purchased a 2001 Pantera 3 and took it out for the first time. Everything went fine until I went to back the boat down my driveway which does require a pretty tight turn. It started making loud popping noises while backing up. I got it in the garage and noticed the front tire on the passenger side had sifted inward towards the trailer and was/is rubbing heavily against the fender well. Also, the driver side wheel is leaking grease now as well but doesn't appear to have shifted outward. I pulled the tires off and will replace the bearings, but im concerned the axle may be bent.

This topic has 8 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 6 months, 1 week ago by Bass Cat Boats.

Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)

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October 5, 2024 at 9:57 am #725644

DjDonnelly
Participant

October 5, 2024 at 10:59 am #725646

BASSCATLILDAVE
Participant

Make sure the U-Bolts are tight.

October 5, 2024 at 3:50 pm #725647

Will Hesch
Participant

what Lil Dave said!

October 5, 2024 at 7:09 pm #725648

apdriver
Participant

Those seals didn’t start leaking on the last pull either. Just sayin. There’s going to be quite a bit of maintenance you’re going to have to catch up on just purchasing a 20+ year old boat. Personally, I would jack the trailer up and remove all the tires. Then check all the fasteners and the geometry of the axles. Next pull all the hubs, inspect and repack all the bearings that you don’t replace. Of course, replace all the inside oil seals as they will be destroyed removing them.

When you can, catch up on the annual maintenance on your outboard. All said, it’s quite a bit of work.

October 8, 2024 at 10:06 pm #725672

DjDonnelly
Participant

So I pulled off both tires and I am in the process of replacing the bearings, race, etc. I did notice a washer between on the U-Bolts is cracked and shifted slightly. I will check to see if the U-Bolts are tight tomorrow when I get the rest of the parts I need to finish replacing all the bearings. I did notice a spot on the leaf springs were metal seemed to have been scraped off. I’m assuming from rubbing against the equalizer shackle? I’ll attach a few more photos.

October 9, 2024 at 2:53 pm #725681

apdriver
Participant

I did notice a spot on the leaf springs were metal seemed to have been scraped off. I’m assuming from rubbing against the equalizer shackle? I’ll attach a few more photos.

Probably so. There is a plastic bushing that is in that leaf spring that looks like it needs to be replaced. Probably why the leaf spring is rubbing. There’s probably one on the other end of shackle, also. While you’re in there, might want to replace those. It will help with the play and road noise.

October 13, 2024 at 9:49 am #725725

SimonP
Participant

Hi, I looks like the suspension will need to be replaced. I did that on a 95 Champion trailer. A big difference. Quiet and tracked better.

October 14, 2024 at 6:28 am #725745

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

First… all of the bushings are well worn in those springs, equalizers, and shackles.

second… the springs will be settled and not have full compression.

third… those are the original tires and are well beyond replacement age. They will be frail from any impacts and subject to failure with future pot holes and curbings.

last… there’s a chance the spindles are bent, though it’s will show in tire wear. A large truck alignment shop can adjust the spindles and axle if needed.

thoughts: you could drop one size of tire (225-215) and gain some sidewall clearance as things just shift over time abs between settling of the bunks, frame and all parts the tires could be a little closer inside. They were tight when new no doubt as we tried to keep boats lower.
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