Knowing how to check the wheel bearings on your travel trailer is paramount for safe and reliable travel. Neglecting this crucial maintenance task can lead to costly repairs, roadside breakdowns, and even dangerous accidents.
Why Healthy Wheel Bearings Matter
Think of your travel trailer’s wheel bearings as the unsung heroes of your road trips. These small but mighty components allow your wheels to spin freely and smoothly around the axle. Located inside the wheel hub, they consist of hardened steel rollers encased in a race, all lubricated by grease. Over time, however, they endure constant friction, heat, and stress. Without proper lubrication and maintenance, wheel bearings can deteriorate, leading to a host of problems, including:
- Increased friction and heat: As the bearings wear down, they generate more friction, which in turn creates excessive heat. This can cause the grease to break down, further accelerating the wear process.
- Reduced fuel efficiency: Increased friction puts a strain on your tow vehicle, leading to lower gas mileage.
- Uneven tire wear: Worn wheel bearings can cause the wheels to wobble, resulting in uneven and premature tire wear.
- Hub failure: If left unchecked, worn wheel bearings can eventually cause the hub to fail completely, potentially leading to wheel separation while driving. This is a catastrophic and extremely dangerous scenario.
Regular inspection and maintenance are therefore essential to prevent these problems and ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.
How to Check Your Travel Trailer Wheel Bearings: A Step-by-Step Guide
This process involves both physical inspection and observation while stationary and, ideally, during a short, controlled drive. It’s recommended to perform this check before each trip and more frequently if you’re traveling long distances or on rough roads.
1. Gathering Your Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather the following:
- Jack: A heavy-duty jack rated for the weight of your travel trailer.
- Jack Stands: Essential for safety; never work under a trailer supported only by a jack.
- Wheel Chocks: To secure the trailer and prevent it from rolling.
- Gloves: To protect your hands.
- Wheel Bearing Grease: The correct type of grease specified in your trailer’s owner’s manual.
- Grease Gun (optional): For repacking or lubricating the bearings.
- Lug Wrench: For removing the wheel.
- Pry Bar or Screwdriver: May be needed to remove the hub cap.
- Torque Wrench: For tightening lug nuts to the correct specifications.
- Rag or Shop Towels: For cleaning.
2. Preparing the Trailer for Inspection
- Park on a Level Surface: Ensure the trailer is parked on a level, stable surface.
- Engage the Parking Brake: Apply the trailer’s parking brake.
- Chock the Wheels: Place wheel chocks behind the wheels on the opposite side of the trailer from the wheel you will be inspecting.
3. Lifting the Trailer and Securing with Jack Stands
- Loosen the Lug Nuts: Using the lug wrench, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you’re inspecting. Don’t remove them completely.
- Position the Jack: Place the jack under the trailer’s frame, following the manufacturer’s recommendations for jacking points.
- Raise the Trailer: Slowly raise the trailer until the tire is off the ground.
- Secure with Jack Stands: Immediately place jack stands under the trailer’s frame near the jack. Make sure the jack stands are properly positioned and secured. Never work under a trailer supported only by a jack.
- Remove the Wheel: Completely remove the lug nuts and carefully remove the wheel and tire assembly.
4. Inspecting the Wheel Bearing
- Spin the Hub: With the wheel removed, carefully spin the hub by hand. Listen for any unusual noises such as grinding, clicking, or rumbling. Feel for any roughness or vibrations. A healthy bearing should spin smoothly and quietly.
- Check for Play: Grasp the hub at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions and try to rock it back and forth. Feel for any looseness or play. A small amount of play might be acceptable, but excessive play indicates worn wheel bearings. Repeat the process at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions.
- Visual Inspection: If you suspect a problem or want a more thorough inspection, you may need to remove the hub cap (if applicable) and inspect the bearing itself. Be aware that this might require disassembling the hub, which is best left to a professional if you’re not experienced. Look for signs of:
- Grease Leakage: Grease leaking from the hub seal indicates a problem.
- Discolored or Burnt Grease: This suggests overheating and potential bearing damage.
- Visible Damage to the Bearing: Look for pitting, scoring, or other damage to the rollers or races.
5. Reassembling and Finishing Up
- Reinstall the Wheel: Carefully reinstall the wheel, tightening the lug nuts by hand.
- Lower the Trailer: Slowly lower the trailer until the tire touches the ground.
- Torque the Lug Nuts: Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque.
- Remove the Jack and Jack Stands: Remove the jack stands and lower the trailer completely to the ground.
- Re-check the Lug Nuts: After driving a short distance (approximately 50-100 miles), re-check the lug nuts to ensure they are still properly torqued.
6. The Road Test (Optional but Recommended)
After completing the stationary check, a short, controlled road test can provide further insights. Drive slowly in a safe, quiet area. Listen carefully for any unusual noises emanating from the wheels. If you hear a grinding, rumbling, or clicking sound that wasn’t present before, it strongly suggests a problem with the wheel bearings.
When to Seek Professional Help
While you can perform basic wheel bearing checks yourself, it’s important to know when to seek professional help. If you notice any of the following, it’s best to take your trailer to a qualified mechanic:
- Excessive Play in the Hub
- Unusual Noises Coming from the Wheels
- Grease Leakage from the Hub Seal
- Discolored or Burnt Grease
- Visible Damage to the Bearing
- You are uncomfortable performing the inspection yourself
Ignoring these warning signs can lead to serious consequences, so don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How often should I check my travel trailer wheel bearings?
Answer: It’s recommended to check your wheel bearings before each trip and more frequently if you’re traveling long distances or on rough roads. At a minimum, check them at least once a year.
Q2: What are the signs of bad wheel bearings?
Answer: Signs of bad wheel bearings include grinding, clicking, or rumbling noises coming from the wheels, excessive play in the hub, grease leakage from the hub seal, discolored or burnt grease, and uneven tire wear.
Q3: Can I replace wheel bearings myself?
Answer: Replacing wheel bearings can be a complex task that requires specialized tools and knowledge. If you’re not experienced, it’s best to have a qualified mechanic perform the replacement. Improper installation can lead to premature failure and safety hazards.
Q4: What kind of grease should I use for my wheel bearings?
Answer: Refer to your travel trailer’s owner’s manual for the recommended type of grease. Generally, a high-quality wheel bearing grease that is specifically formulated for trailer axles is recommended. Lithium-based greases are a common choice.
Q5: How much does it cost to replace wheel bearings?
Answer: The cost to replace wheel bearings varies depending on the make and model of your trailer, the type of bearings used, and the labor rates in your area. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500 per wheel.
Q6: What is wheel bearing packing?
Answer: Wheel bearing packing refers to the process of thoroughly coating the wheel bearings with grease. This ensures proper lubrication and helps to prevent premature wear and failure.
Q7: How often should I repack my wheel bearings?
Answer: Many manufacturers recommend repacking wheel bearings every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, it’s always best to consult your trailer’s owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
Q8: What is a bearing buddy?
Answer: A bearing buddy is a device that is installed on the hub of a trailer wheel to provide a small amount of positive pressure, helping to keep water and contaminants out of the wheel bearings.
Q9: Are bearing buddies a substitute for regular wheel bearing maintenance?
Answer: No, bearing buddies are not a substitute for regular wheel bearing maintenance. While they can help to extend the life of your bearings, they still need to be inspected and repacked periodically.
Q10: Can I over-grease wheel bearings?
Answer: Yes, it is possible to over-grease wheel bearings. Over-greasing can cause the seals to rupture, leading to grease leakage and contamination. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper greasing.
Q11: What is the difference between inner and outer wheel bearings?
Answer: Inner and outer wheel bearings are located inside the wheel hub and are different sizes. The inner wheel bearing is typically larger and supports more of the load. They must be installed in the correct positions during reassembly.
Q12: What happens if I ignore bad wheel bearings?
Answer: Ignoring bad wheel bearings can lead to serious consequences, including reduced fuel efficiency, uneven tire wear, hub failure, and even wheel separation while driving. This can result in costly repairs, roadside breakdowns, and dangerous accidents.