If you’re a trailer owner, somewhere along the line, you’ve probably heard the term “repack wheel bearings”, but what exactly does repacking wheel bearings on a trailer mean? Take this pop quiz to see how much you know about trailer wheel bearings.
Repacking wheel bearings on a trailer means:
If you answered B, you are correct!
Although you can’t see wheel bearings on your trailer, you won’t get far without these important components. Trailer wheel bearings are mounted on the inside of the wheel hub assembly to connect the wheel to the axle and allow the wheels to rotate properly without friction.
What does repacking wheel bearings on a trailer mean? The process of repacking a wheel bearing is to remove all the parts of the trailer wheel so the bearings can be cleaned by removing the old grease, then inspected, and replace or ‘repack’ new grease into the bearing.
Why do trailer wheel bearings need repacking? The entire weight of the trailer rides on the wheel bearings, which is why it is so important to keep them regularly maintained. Over time the grease in the wheel bearings will break down and not properly lubricate the bearings. Also, water can enter the wheel hub from condensation or from being submerged in water on boat trailers, causing damage to the wheel bearings. If the trailer wheel bearings are not properly lubricated, the added friction can eventually cause your wheels to seize up. Once this happens, you have much more expensive repair bills, not to mention the increased risk of an accident.
How do you know if the wheel bearings on your trailer need repacking? Wheel bearings will make unnatural sounds and the wheel and hub will get hot to the touch before they grind to a halt and seize up. If you hear a whine or grinding noise coming from the trailer tires while they are in motion or if the hub is too hot to touch it’s probably time for some wheel bearing maintenance or even replacement.
How often should you repack the wheel bearings on your trailer? It is recommended that trailer wheel bearings should be repacked annually or at least every 12,000 miles. Even if your trailer is not in use, the grease breaks down from condensation in the bearings and causes corrosion to build up.
Where can I get trailer wheel bearings repacked or replaced? All three Hilltop Tire Service locations in the Des Moines metro have trained technicians to repack wheel bearings or if the bearings need to be replaced, our experts can handle this as well.
Have your wheel bearings inspected regularly. Most wheel bearings you can grease on your own, however, it’s a good idea to have them inspected by an expert. Sometimes too much grease is applied to the bearing which can cause problems.
Hilltop Tire Service knows Trailers When it comes to trailer maintenance in central Iowa, the pros at Hilltop Tire Service have got you covered! We are here to help you with all your hauling needs. From axles to taillights, we’ll get you back on the road with minimal downtime!
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