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Quick Answer: How To Repack Trailer Bearings

How often should you repack trailer bearings?

How often should you repack your trailer bearings? The axle manufacturers recommend that you repack your trailer bearings once annually or every 12,000 km. If you are over-do for trailer wheel bearing maintenance, we would be happy to help you.

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.

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.

How long does it take to repack trailer 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 do I know if my trailer bearings need grease?

Keep your hand on the wheel and spin it. If you feel any motion that is not smooth, hear any noises, or if the wheel does not spin freely, the wheel bearing is defective or needs lubrication.

Can you over grease a bearing?

When it comes to regreasing bearings, more is not always the better option and actually can be a costly mistake. 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.

How much does it cost to grease trailer bearings?

So, how much does it cost to pack wheel bearings on a trailer? Surprising little, expect to pay as little as $100 and at most $400. If you want to save some money you can do it yourself, but in my opinion, it’s not worth it unless you have ample experience and all the necessary tools.

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.

Should I grease my trailer ball?

You do not need to grease your trailer hitch ball. That is entirely up to you. However, greasing it is recommended. Greasing will help ensure that the trailer hitch ball keeps its structural integrity, and it will help prevent it from squeaking.

Should I fill my trailer hub with grease?

1 and 2), pump a ring of grease into the entire circumference of the wheel hub and coat the hub cap inner wall. The housing should only be half full of grease. Too much grease causes churning and higher temperatures. Semi-fluid grease must be used with a vented hub cap.

What kind of grease do you use for trailer bearings?

LMX Red Grease A heavy-duty, premium grease rated for just about every application, including marine trailer-wheel bearings. It resists water well and sticks in place, so it’s excellent in outdoor applications, but it isn’t specially formulated for wheel bearings.

Which grease is best for bearings?

Table of contents 1: Editor’s Pick: Royal Purple Ultra Performance Grease. Best for Performance: Allstar Timken High-Temp Synthetic Wheel Bearing Grease. 3: Best on a Budget: Sta-Lube New Generation Wheel Bearing Grease. Lucas Oil Red ‘N’ Tacky Grease. Mag 1 High-Temp Disc Brake Wheel Bearing Grease.

How long does bearing grease last?

For closed bearings – sealed or shielded – that contain the standard domestic grease (GJN), and that are still in their original, unbroken packaging, the recommended shelf life is five years.

What causes trailer wheel bearing failure?

Failure is usually caused by either lack of lubrication (which causes excessive heat), overloading (which causes lack of lubrication because of the excess weight), the axle nut is too tight (which, again, causes lack of lubrication) or the axle nut is too loose (which will allow for unnecessary movement causing bearing.

How often should I grease a bearing?

Using the chart and the formula, the bearing only needs 8 grams of grease every 10,000 hours. If your grease gun delivers around 1.35 grams per stroke, that means the bearing needs 6 strokes every 13 months; you could average it out to a stroke every 8 weeks or so.

How much grease do you put in a bearing buddy?

How Genuine Bearing Buddy® Works The axle hub is filled with grease until the grease forces the Bearing Buddy® piston outward about 1/8 inch. Grease can be added to the hub through an easily accessible grease fitting located in the center of the piston.

What temperature should bearings run at?

Bearing Temperature Conditions Most precision installed and lubricated equipment will operate at less than 180 degrees F. A bearing temperature that is less than 180 degrees F is typically considered acceptable (see the chart below).