Wheel bearings

[wadu1]

How often do you guys look at your trailer bearings? Our trailer is a 2019 and I’ve never looked at them.

We had an old single axel Kit 22', I repacked or replaced them every year.
That was until the wheel separated, the tire was still mounted, and all the lug nuts were intact with about 10" of the wheel still spinning when I got it stopped. NOT FUN

[Ridgeratt]

 

[HntnFsh]

I don't get the whole thing with replacing or repacking wheel bearings every year. Unless it's a boat trailer.

If you have to do that every year your axle and or bearings are probably undersized.

It used to be almost every car and truck on the road had the same wheel bearings. I don't know anybody that repacked those every year.

To me that would be the same thing as changing the front hub bearing assemblies every year. They do the same thing. They still have seals to keep water and debris out.

If It's a concern, jack the axle up and spin the tire to see or hear any roughness. Wriggle from top to bottom and feel for play. Check to see if oil is getting by the seals. You'll know real quick what kind of shape your bearings are in.

[HntnFsh]

A lot of bearing issues are caused by overgreasing and blowing seals. Setting bearings too tight. And for boat trailers getting the bearings hot then dunking them in cold water.

[trophyhunt]

I don't get the whole thing with replacing or repacking wheel bearings every year. Unless it's a boat trailer.

If you have to do that every year your axle and or bearings are probably undersized.

It used to be almost every car and truck on the road had the same wheel bearings. I don't know anybody that repacked those every year.

To me that would be the same thing as changing the front hub bearing assemblies every year. They do the same thing. They still have seals to keep water and debris out.

If It's a concern, jack the axle up and spin the tire to see or hear any roughness. Wriggle from top to bottom and feel for play. Check to see if oil is getting by the seals. You'll know real quick what kind of shape your bearings are in.

I tend to agree with this, once a year seems to quick, not that it hurts it though.  I’ve replaced two China bombs so far, had a blow out already and ruined a wheel and two tires. I’ve also added a tire pressure monitoring system that works really well, simple to install. It gives me piece of mind when I’m traveling down the road. 

[HntnFsh]

I've always made it habit to walk around and feel how hot my hubs are or hit them with an infrared thermometer when I stop for gas or whatever. You'll know pretty quick if one is running hot and needs looked at.

[trophyhunt]

I've always made it habit to walk around and feel how hot my hubs are or hit them with an infrared thermometer when I stop for gas or whatever. You'll know pretty quick if one is running hot and needs looked at.

I do the same thing, it's a quick and easy check.

[birddogdad]

I've always made it habit to walk around and feel how hot my hubs are or hit them with an infrared thermometer when I stop for gas or whatever. You'll know pretty quick if one is running hot and needs looked at.

I do the same thing, it's a quick and easy check.

just holding your hand down there will tell you enough....

[Woodchuck]

I would replace. Cheap insurance against a boring drive turning in to a memorable occasion. 

[Alchase]

I don't get the whole thing with replacing or repacking wheel bearings every year. Unless it's a boat trailer.

If you have to do that every year your axle and or bearings are probably undersized.

It used to be almost every car and truck on the road had the same wheel bearings. I don't know anybody that repacked those every year.

To me that would be the same thing as changing the front hub bearing assemblies every year. They do the same thing. They still have seals to keep water and debris out.

If It's a concern, jack the axle up and spin the tire to see or hear any roughness. Wriggle from top to bottom and feel for play. Check to see if oil is getting by the seals. You'll know real quick what kind of shape your bearings are in.

A buddy of mine had a two year old 85 Bronco (full size) that ate front wheel bearings for lunch. Every time we would go trail riding (west side so mud was involved), He would have to pull his front bearings and re-pack or replace after a couple trips. At the same time, my jeep Comanche, I would wave at my wheel bearings once a year, unless it has been in the salt.

[HntnFsh]

I don't get the whole thing with replacing or repacking wheel bearings every year. Unless it's a boat trailer.

If you have to do that every year your axle and or bearings are probably undersized.

It used to be almost every car and truck on the road had the same wheel bearings. I don't know anybody that repacked those every year.

To me that would be the same thing as changing the front hub bearing assemblies every year. They do the same thing. They still have seals to keep water and debris out.

If It's a concern, jack the axle up and spin the tire to see or hear any roughness. Wriggle from top to bottom and feel for play. Check to see if oil is getting by the seals. You'll know real quick what kind of shape your bearings are in.

A buddy of mine had a two year old 85 Bronco (full size) that ate front wheel bearings for lunch. Every time we would go trail riding (west side so mud was involved), He would have to pull his front bearings and re-pack or replace after a couple trips. At the same time, my jeep Comanche, I would wave at my wheel bearings once a year, unless it has been in the salt.

My guess would be that there was a contributing factor to his Bronco eating wheel bearings.

[MR5x5]

Ridgeratt - that is a classic.  Where can I get some of those check bearing lights!?

[Ridgeratt]

Ridgeratt - that is a classic.  Where can I get some of those check bearing lights!?

I think if that lite comes on you have more problems than just a bearing.