Trailer bearing maintenance

catken · May 31, 2012

How important is the ime element for havng the bearings repact. I have herd this should be done every year. I bought the traier new a year ago and have put maybe 1500 mi. on it. Is this time element a way that the dealer gets you back in the shop to make even more money off of you or is there a good reason for this.

00Silverado4x4 · May 31, 2012

Depends on the terrain, speeds and weather driven, also the loads on the wheels. These are all factors that would warrant at least to have bearings inspected annually. On my travel trailer I at least look at them every year, however I've only repacked them twice in 6 years. If nothing else it gives me piece of mind to know what the condition of the bearing, grease, and brakes are from one year to the next. If you are mechanically inclined you should be able to do the upkeep yourself with only common hand tools. That would save you a chunk of change as well.

Coolmaker · May 31, 2012

Some bearing grease will harden as time goes by. When it does that it will not lube the bearings properly. I like to take them apart after about a year and look at them. If the grease is Okay, I add grease, readjust the bearings, install "Bearing Buddy's". Then a few pumps of the grease gun loaded with good bearing grease is all you will need for many, many miles.

8.1HD/ALLISON · May 31, 2012

+1 on the bearing buddys.

catken · May 31, 2012

Thanks for your replies. This fall, I will be towing my Harley out to Colorado for a tour of the mountains. I guess for a piece of mind, I'll bring it in for a check up,

markw8 · June 1, 2012

The bad thing about bearing buddies, you never get to inspect the bearings. It isn't much of a job to clean and repack.

Mark

Coolmaker · June 1, 2012

The bad thing about bearing buddies, you never get to inspect the bearings. It isn't much of a job to clean and repack.

Mark

They do not stop one from checking the bearings. Just take them off. However, you can jack the trailer up, roll the wheel, if the bearings feel good, just add some grease and be on your way. I have used them on every trailer I have owned for many years (50) and never had a problem. Just my experience.....