Repacking your travel trailer bearings is crucial for safe and trouble-free journeys. Typically, you should repack your travel trailer bearings every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, to ensure optimal lubrication and prevent costly damage.
The Vital Role of Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings are the unsung heroes of your travel trailer, enabling smooth wheel rotation and supporting the entire weight of your rig. These small but mighty components are constantly subjected to friction, heat, and stress, especially during long road trips. Proper lubrication is essential to minimize wear and tear, prevent premature failure, and maintain safe handling. Ignoring bearing maintenance can lead to catastrophic wheel failure, potentially causing accidents and leaving you stranded.
Why Repacking is Necessary
Over time, the grease lubricating your wheel bearings degrades and becomes contaminated with dirt, water, and metal particles. This contaminated grease loses its lubricating properties, increasing friction and heat. Insufficient lubrication can result in:
- Bearing damage: Overheating can cause bearings to warp, crack, or seize up.
- Wheel wobble: Worn bearings can cause your wheels to wobble, leading to uneven tire wear and poor handling.
- Brake failure: Excessive heat from damaged bearings can damage brake components, reducing braking efficiency or causing complete brake failure.
- Axle damage: In extreme cases, bearing failure can damage the axle itself, requiring costly repairs.
The Repacking Process: A Step-by-Step Overview
While some RV owners prefer to have a professional handle bearing repacking, it’s a task that can be accomplished with the right tools and a bit of mechanical aptitude. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Gather your tools and supplies: You’ll need items like a jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, a socket set, wrenches, a bearing packer, grease, a scraper, rags, gloves, and a new cotter pin.
- Safely lift and secure the trailer: Use a jack and jack stands to lift the trailer and secure it properly. Always use wheel chocks for added safety.
- Remove the wheel and hub: Carefully remove the wheel and hub assembly.
- Disassemble the hub: Remove the outer bearing, grease seal, and inner bearing.
- Clean the bearings and hub: Thoroughly clean all parts with a solvent and a brush.
- Inspect the bearings and races: Carefully inspect the bearings and races for any signs of wear, damage, or pitting. Replace any damaged components.
- Pack the bearings with grease: Use a bearing packer to force grease into the bearings.
- Reassemble the hub: Install the inner bearing, grease seal, hub, outer bearing, washer, and nut.
- Adjust the bearing preload: Tighten the nut to the proper torque specification (consult your trailer’s manual) and then back it off slightly. Secure the nut with a new cotter pin.
- Reinstall the wheel: Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque specification.
Signs That Your Bearings Need Immediate Attention
Even if you’re following a regular repacking schedule, certain warning signs may indicate that your bearings need immediate attention. These include:
- Unusual noises: Grinding, squealing, or rumbling sounds coming from the wheels.
- Excessive heat: Touching the hub after driving and finding it excessively hot.
- Wheel wobble: Feeling a wobble or vibration in the trailer while driving.
- Grease leakage: Seeing grease leaking from the hub or around the wheel.
If you notice any of these signs, stop driving immediately and inspect your bearings. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to serious damage and potential accidents.
Choosing the Right Grease
Selecting the right grease is crucial for optimal bearing performance and longevity. Use a high-quality, high-temperature lithium-based grease specifically designed for wheel bearings. Synthetic greases offer superior performance and longer life compared to conventional greases, but they are also more expensive. Consult your trailer’s manual or a qualified mechanic for recommendations on the best grease for your specific application. Avoid mixing different types of grease, as this can degrade their lubricating properties.
FAQs: Your Burning Bearing Questions Answered
H3: 1. What happens if I don’t repack my travel trailer bearings regularly?
Ignoring regular repacking can lead to bearing failure, resulting in costly repairs, potential accidents, and being stranded on the road. The lack of proper lubrication increases friction and heat, causing bearings to wear out prematurely.
H3: 2. Can I just add grease to my bearings instead of repacking them?
Adding grease to the zerk fitting on some hubs might seem like a quick fix, but it’s not a substitute for repacking. While it can provide temporary relief, it doesn’t remove the old, contaminated grease or address any underlying issues.
H3: 3. How do I know what type of grease to use for my travel trailer bearings?
Refer to your travel trailer’s owner’s manual for specific grease recommendations. Generally, a high-temperature, lithium-based grease designed for wheel bearings is recommended. Synthetic greases offer superior performance.
H3: 4. Is it difficult to repack travel trailer bearings myself?
Repacking bearings is a moderately challenging task that requires mechanical aptitude and the right tools. If you’re not comfortable working on your trailer, it’s best to have a professional do it.
H3: 5. What tools do I need to repack travel trailer bearings?
Essential tools include a jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, a socket set, wrenches, a bearing packer, grease, a scraper, rags, gloves, and a new cotter pin.
H3: 6. How much does it cost to have a professional repack my travel trailer bearings?
The cost can vary depending on your location and the service provider, but typically ranges from $150 to $300 per axle.
H3: 7. Should I replace my bearings every time I repack them?
Not necessarily. If the bearings are in good condition and show no signs of wear or damage, they can be reused. However, it’s always a good idea to replace the grease seals every time you repack the bearings.
H3: 8. What is a bearing packer, and why should I use one?
A bearing packer is a tool that forces grease into the bearings, ensuring proper lubrication. Using a bearing packer is more effective and less messy than packing bearings by hand.
H3: 9. How do I properly dispose of old grease?
Used grease should be disposed of properly at a designated recycling center or hazardous waste collection facility. Do not pour it down the drain or into the ground.
H3: 10. Can I use the same grease for my travel trailer bearings as I use for my car?
While some greases might be compatible, it’s generally best to use a grease specifically designed for wheel bearings. These greases are formulated to withstand the high temperatures and pressures associated with travel trailer axles.
H3: 11. What is “bearing preload,” and why is it important?
Bearing preload refers to the amount of pressure applied to the bearings during installation. Proper preload ensures that the bearings operate smoothly and efficiently. Too much preload can cause overheating and premature wear, while too little preload can cause excessive play and damage.
H3: 12. Are there any alternatives to traditional grease repacking?
Some newer travel trailers come equipped with sealed bearing systems, which do not require regular repacking. However, these systems typically have a shorter lifespan and must be replaced entirely when the bearings fail.
Conclusion: Prioritize Preventative Maintenance
Repacking your travel trailer bearings is a critical aspect of preventative maintenance that can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. By following a regular repacking schedule and addressing any warning signs promptly, you can ensure the safety and reliability of your trailer and enjoy worry-free adventures on the road. Always consult your trailer’s manual and consider professional assistance if you’re unsure about any aspect of bearing maintenance. Prioritize preventative maintenance, and your travel trailer will reward you with years of dependable service.