RV Trailer Axle

[Practical Approach]

Trying to get the travel trailer ready for a trip to Montana.  Anybody know what the average cost is for having your wheel bearings repacked?  One quote I got was 99 bucks per axle plus parts and grease.

[washelkhntr]

Why not just do it yourself?

[Practical Approach]

Never done it before.  Is it that difficult.  Special tools needed?

[ICEMAN]

Easy. Jacks, blocks, lug wrench, needlenose pliers, axle nut wrench, gas or parts cleaner tray, compressed air is nice.... lots of rags, grease,..... 

[washelkhntr]

It isn't to difficult. Just take your time and don't be in a hurry. Here is a link. Hopefully it will help.    http://www.rverscorner.com/articles/bearing1.html


But if you arn't comfortable doing it, then don't. I would imagin you can have it done by a shop for under $150.

[ICEMAN]

Good to learn and know for peace of mind while in the back country. You can do it!

[Practical Approach]

Is it easy to tell if you have bearings going bad or parts that need to be replaced?

[Grizzly95]

Very easy to do, biggest mistake is to over tighten the bearings. I have done hundreds of them. If you are in or around Spokane I would help you out. Only takes a couple hours at the most if it is a tandem axle. Schwabs used to be like 50 an axle, but that was 4 years ago.

I never was the brearings out with anything, I don't like to leave any kind of solvent in the bearings that can break down the grease. Just lots of rags to clean the bearings out. As you push the new grease in it will push the old grease out. Just keep everything clean. I prefer to use the same grease I would use on boat trailers, in case the seals fail and let moisture in.

[Practical Approach]

Ok read the link.  Very informative.  I guess 2 hours for an experienced person and 4 for me.  I will sleep on it.  I would like to know how to do it.  However wih my luck I usually get into something and then find out it is a bigger mess than anticipated.  Typical of all my projects.

[Grizzly95]

Are yo on the westside?

[Practical Approach]

Yes, I am on the westside, thanks for the offer for help. 

[robodad]

If your out on the OP I'll lend a hand !!   Very easy to do, just be sure to wear rubber gloves cause that grease isnt easy to wash off since it'll be up to your armpits when your done !! 

[Practical Approach]

I am in the Olympia area.  If I run into trouble I will be sure to post my predcament on the website.  Hopefully you guys will check in every now and then an give me a tip.

Thanks again.

[Grizzly95]

Use the thick rubber gloves, sometimes the inside of the hubs have sharp edges. I have cut myself plenty of times and that grease can sometimes sting, even worse when you are scrubbing it out.

[Special T]

I think it is a good thing to do so you know what your electrical brakes look like in case they quit working for you... I fix them all the time and pack them for my work trailers.... if you need parts check out 6 roblees in their main warehouse is in Seattle but they supply most trailer shops...