Idea for caging bearings

[MIteyMT]

I have an idea for caging bearing. I am picturing a piece of NPS 3 schedule 40 pipe, slightly shorter than the portion of the axle extending out of the tub. Then a piece of UHMW ( 1 inch) placed inside the end of the pipe, and close enough the axle that it needs no retainer, it could be cut to fit with a 2 7/8 hole saw, with a 1 1/4 axle hole in the middle cut with a fostner bit. Last, a flange could be welded to the tub end, and you could even put a zirk on it and fill it with marine grease, slide in the axle. I have UHMW bearings on my argo trailer, they work great with no lube. Great abrasion resistance. I have often wondered it this should not be the primary and or ONLY bearings on argo axles (one inboard and one outboard

[MIteyMT]

Like this

where the red part is the UHMW, and it's the only bearing involved. This looks like an easy way, and again, for a bit more water resistance and less friction, you would put a grease zirk on it maybe, and you could just pull the axle, knock out the UHMW bearing, and slap in a new one in a short time. Held in place by backside of hub, that is all, maybe a set screw

[LarryW]

Seems like a cool idea!

[spookum]

i have a welder, we could try it out on your trailer and see what happens