A utility trailer is a non-motorized apparatus that attaches to another vehicle to move heavy cargo from one location to another. As with any device with moving parts, regular maintenance, including proper lubrication of the wheel bearings, is imperative. Greasing the bearings must be done at regular intervals for proper load distribution and mechanical integrity of the wheels. Improperly maintained wheel bearings can cause wheels to detach without warning and result in damage to the trailer, its cargo, and perhaps people. Having your trailer sidelined because you haven’t maintained its wheels is an avoidable situation. It’s a messy procedure, but it won’t take more than one afternoon to grease the bearings on your trailer wheels. Replacing wheel bearings is expensive and not something you want to do when you are on your way somewhere with the trailer loaded because the wheel bearings were not maintained.
Function
Wheel bearings are a critical part of the trailer body. They help support the trailer’s weight and keep the wheels turning on the axle. Properly maintained bearings allow the wheel to spin freely, without putting unnecessary friction on the trailer axle. A wheel bearing that has been neglected eventually leaks and deteriorates. Dirt and other foreign objects can contaminate the bearings, cause breakdown of the assembly and possibly enable the wheel to detach from the axle.
Time Frame
Wheel bearing maintenance frequency depends on the trailer type, wheel size, and average load weight. Some manufacturers recommend inspecting and greasing an RV’s wheel bearings once every season, or at least every 10,000 miles. But boat trailers with small wheels require re-packing every 2,000 miles. Generally, the smaller the tire, the faster the wheels spin, which puts stress on the bearings. Frequency can also be determined by considering how the trailer is used and where it has traveled.
Considerations
In 2008, the cost of having this job performed by a professional mechanic was approximately $125 per axle, based on average pricing obtained from three different RV repair shops in southern California. However, trailer owners who attempt this job at home will spend less than $100 in parts. The procedure calls for basic mechanical aptitude, and only requires high-temperature grease, rags, a trailer wheel jack, a torque wrench and a hammer. A bearing packer makes the job cleaner but is not necessary.
Identification
Wheel bearing design has remained unchanged over the last 50 years, and greasing them is simple. But before you attempt this at home, it is a good idea to have a service manual for your trailer with instructions for the procedure. The wheels must be properly torqued. Obtain a proper trailer jack, and block all tires on the opposite side to ensure your safety while underneath the trailer.
Warning
If your trailer has hauled excessively heavy loads or has been driven off-road or towed through water that covered the axles, it is a good idea to perform this maintenance. Also, some manufacturers forget to grease the wheel bearings prior to delivery to the dealer. To test new trailer wheel bearings for excessive friction, touch the tire after it has been in use. A hot tire surface could indicate improper lubrication.
Greasing Instructions:
1.) Loosen the lug nuts on one wheel, raise the side of the trailer with a jack and remove the lug nuts and the wheel.
2.) Detach the dust cap by prying it loose with a large screwdriver, and remove the cotter pin with the needle-nose pliers.
3.) Remove the retaining nut and washer.
4.) Remove the rear bearing and seal by tapping along the rim of the bearing with a block of wood and a hammer, and clean them with a brush in a small pan of kerosene.
5.) Pack grease into the bearings, working from the wide side of the bearing until the cage and rollers are filled, then apply grease the the interior of the hub.
6.) Tap the seal back onto the rear of the hub with a block of wood and hammer. Place the hub and bearings on the spindle. Thread the nut back onto the spindle, and turn it clockwise. Tighten the nut firmly. Loosen the nut until the hole in the spindle aligns with a space in the nut.
7.) Insert a new cotter pin, and bend the ends to fasten it.
8.) Tap the dust cap back into place.
9.) Reinstall the wheel, and tighten the lug nuts. Perform procedure on other wheels.
