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How often should you replace boat trailer wheel bearings?
The axle manufacturers recommend that you repack your trailer bearings once annually or every 12,000 km.
How much does it cost to replace wheel bearings on a boat trailer?
Some Class A RV owners have stated that it cost anything from $300 to $500 to replace the bearings. Depending on how much you use your trailer and how many miles you get on it, you can wait till about 20,000 miles before your wheel bearing has to be repacked.
How do I know if I need new wheel bearings on my trailer?
Jack up the trailer and secure it on adequate capacity jack stands. Check wheels for side-to-side looseness – There should be a very slight amount of play in the wheel, typically 1/8-inch or less. If the wheels are loose or spin with a wobble, the bearings must be serviced or replaced.
Can you over grease trailer wheel bearings?
They keep grease packed into the hub. munchy wrote: More grease is never the right answer. Overgreasing can actually cause the rollers/balls to slide over the bearing surface rather than roll over them.
Do you grease boat trailer rollers?
When the pin and split pin are in place, put grease all over them to ward off rust. Going through this procedure with all the rollers should take you around 20 minutes in total. Getting the boat on and off the trailer should now be a lot easier. Check your winch cable regularly for signs of wear.
How long do boat trailer bearings last?
It is hard to say a specific number when talking about boat trailer bearings. Some experts give them a life span of 85,000 to 100,000 miles.
How much does it cost to repack trailer bearings?
Trailers tend to be cheaper to repack professionally (think $100-$200), but don’t underestimate the power of the upsells a mechanic might try to give you. If you’re serious about cash, you can likely save a few bucks by repacking your bearings yourself.
What happens when trailer bearings fail?
A damaged wheel bearing does not only cause a vehicle to be shaky and noisy; it can also cost you more money by damaging other nearby parts, and even force your entire wheel to fly off when driving at high speed.
How long does it take to change trailer wheel bearings?
How many trailers have you seen on the side of the road this year with one wheel propped up? Don’t let it happen to you. If you haven’t checked your wheel bearings lately, read this article. You can complete this simple task in about an hour and save yourself a big repair bill.
How much are bearing buddies?
Bearing Buddy Stainless Steel Bearing Protectors (1.980″ Diameter) with Auto Check With Bras – Pair List Price: $36.99 Details You Save: $8.70 (24%).
How often should you grease utility trailer wheel bearings?
Proper lubrication helps maintain functionality and reliability of your trailer’s axle(s). Bearings should be lubricated approximately every 12 months or 12,000 miles unless otherwise specified by the axle manufacturer.
How do you keep water out of boat trailer bearings?
Grease-Filled Protection Grease is kept around your boat trailer bearings by a seal on one side of the hub (preferably a double-lipped seal) and pressure from froma rubber plug or grommet positioned on the outside of the hub.
How do you know when to grease trailer bearings?
With a larger travel trailer, you should grease your trailer wheel bearings every 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. If you have a smaller travel trailer, however, you’ll need to grease your wheel bearings every 2,000 miles. This is because the wheels are smaller and spin faster.
Why do boat trailer bearings fail?
A potential cause for bearing failure is the castle nuts being over tightened. Castle nuts should be just slightly more than hand tight. If too tight this will put excessive pressure on the bearings and could lead to premature failure. I suggest an inspection of the tires on the affected wheels.
Can you over grease a bearing?
Too much grease volume (overgreasing) in a bearing cavity will cause the rotating bearing elements to begin churning the grease, pushing it out of the way, resulting in energy loss and rising temperatures. This can result in accelerated wear of the rolling elements and then component failure.
Should you grease wheel bearings?
Not only should grease be packed into the bearing, but some grease should be applied to the housing and on the wheel end’s inside surfaces where the bearing sits. This will help prevent corrosion. The housing should also have some grease in the cavity surrounding the bearing, but it should not be filled.
What causes trailer wheel bearings to get hot?
If the trailer is overloaded with more weight on each hub than they are rated for this too can lead to higher hub temperatures. If the drum brake pad pressure is adjusted too high or if there is a damaged component in the brake assembly those things could also cause the hub to heat up to an excessive temperature.
