Repacking the wheel bearings on your travel trailer involves cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, and reinstalling these crucial components, ensuring smooth and safe towing. Neglecting this essential maintenance task can lead to bearing failure, potentially causing wheel lockup, damage to your trailer, and hazardous situations on the road.
Why Repack Travel Trailer Bearings?
The primary reason for repacking your travel trailer bearings is to replenish the grease that lubricates them. Over time, grease breaks down, dries out, or becomes contaminated with dirt and debris. Without proper lubrication, the bearings experience excessive friction, leading to overheating, wear, and ultimately, failure. Regular repacking ensures optimal performance, extends bearing life, and prevents costly repairs. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to inspect the bearings and races for signs of damage, allowing you to address potential problems before they escalate.
When to Repack Your Bearings
Determining the correct interval for repacking your bearings is crucial. While manufacturer recommendations may vary, a general guideline is to repack them every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, several factors can influence this timeframe:
- Frequent towing in harsh conditions: Towing through dusty, muddy, or wet environments can accelerate grease degradation and contaminate the bearings.
- Heavy loads: Consistently towing near the trailer’s maximum weight capacity puts extra stress on the bearings.
- Long trips: Extended highway travel at high speeds generates more heat, potentially breaking down the grease faster.
- New trailers: Even new trailers should have their bearings inspected and greased after the first 3,000 miles, as factory grease may not be sufficient.
Ultimately, it’s better to err on the side of caution and repack your bearings more frequently than necessary.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials. Having everything on hand will streamline the process and prevent unnecessary delays. You’ll need:
- Jack and safety stands: To lift and securely support the trailer.
- Wheel chocks: To prevent the trailer from rolling.
- Lug wrench: To remove the wheels.
- Hammer: For gently tapping components.
- Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips): For various tasks.
- Pliers: For removing cotter pins and seals.
- Bearing packer: A tool designed to efficiently grease bearings (optional, but highly recommended).
- Grease gun: Loaded with high-temperature wheel bearing grease.
- Brake cleaner or solvent: For cleaning the bearings and races.
- Clean rags or shop towels: For wiping away grease and grime.
- Rubber gloves: To protect your hands.
- New cotter pins: Always replace cotter pins with new ones.
- New grease seals: Replacing the seals is highly recommended to prevent grease leakage.
- Torque wrench: To properly tighten the spindle nut.
- Catch pan: To collect old grease and solvent.
- Safety glasses: To protect your eyes from debris.
Step-by-Step Guide to Repacking Bearings
Follow these steps carefully to ensure you repack your trailer bearings correctly.
H3 1. Prepare the Trailer
- Park the trailer on a level surface.
- Engage the parking brake.
- Chock the wheels on the opposite side of the trailer you’re working on.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel(s) you’ll be removing.
H3 2. Jack Up the Trailer and Remove the Wheel
- Place the jack under the trailer frame near the wheel you’re removing. Refer to your trailer’s manual for the correct jacking points.
- Raise the trailer until the tire is off the ground.
- Place a safety stand under the frame for added security.
- Completely remove the lug nuts and the wheel.
H3 3. Remove the Dust Cap and Cotter Pin
- Using a screwdriver and hammer (if necessary), gently tap off the dust cap covering the spindle nut.
- Remove the cotter pin from the spindle nut. You may need pliers to straighten and pull it out.
H3 4. Remove the Spindle Nut and Outer Bearing
- Unscrew the spindle nut.
- Remove the outer bearing, washer, and retaining ring (if equipped).
H3 5. Remove the Hub from the Spindle
- Carefully slide the hub off the spindle. It might be a little tight, so gentle wiggling may be required.
H3 6. Remove the Inner Bearing and Grease Seal
- Flip the hub over and carefully pry out the grease seal using a screwdriver or seal puller. Be careful not to damage the hub.
- Remove the inner bearing.
H3 7. Clean and Inspect the Bearings and Races
- Thoroughly clean both bearings and the inner and outer races (the smooth surfaces inside the hub where the bearings ride) with brake cleaner or solvent. Use a brush to remove any stubborn grease or dirt.
- Inspect the bearings and races for signs of wear, damage, pitting, or discoloration. Replace any components that show signs of damage.
H3 8. Pack the Bearings with Grease
- Using a bearing packer (recommended) or your hands, work grease into the bearings until they are completely filled. This is a crucial step, so ensure the grease penetrates all the rollers and cages. If using your hands, pack the grease into the bearing from the wider end until it emerges on the other side.
H3 9. Install the Inner Bearing and New Grease Seal
- Place the freshly packed inner bearing into the hub.
- Install a new grease seal using a seal driver or a block of wood and a hammer. Tap the seal in evenly until it is flush with the hub.
H3 10. Reinstall the Hub, Outer Bearing, and Spindle Nut
- Carefully slide the hub back onto the spindle.
- Install the freshly packed outer bearing, washer, and retaining ring (if equipped).
- Thread on the spindle nut.
H3 11. Adjust the Spindle Nut
- Tighten the spindle nut until snug, then back it off slightly.
- Torque the spindle nut to the manufacturer’s specification (typically around 12-20 ft-lbs). Then, back off the nut until it’s loose enough to insert a new cotter pin through the spindle.
- Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends around the nut.
H3 12. Reinstall the Dust Cap and Wheel
- Tap the dust cap back into place.
- Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
- Lower the trailer and remove the safety stand.
- Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specification using a torque wrench.
H3 13. Repeat for Remaining Wheels
- Repeat the process for the remaining wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How often should I grease my travel trailer bearings?
A: As a general rule, you should repack your travel trailer bearings every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Factors like towing conditions and load weight can influence this timeframe.
Q2: Can I use a bearing buddy instead of repacking?
A: While bearing buddies can supplement grease between repacking intervals, they are not a replacement for regular repacking. Bearing buddies primarily add grease, but they don’t allow for inspection and cleaning of the bearings, which is crucial for preventing damage. Over-greasing with bearing buddies can also blow out the rear seal, which will require replacement.
Q3: What type of grease should I use?
A: Use a high-temperature wheel bearing grease specifically designed for trailer wheel bearings. Look for grease that is lithium-based or synthetic and rated for high loads and extreme temperatures.
Q4: How do I know if my bearings are going bad?
A: Signs of failing bearings include: a growling or grinding noise coming from the wheels, excessive heat in the hub after towing, wheel wobble, loose wheels, and grease leaking from the seals.
Q5: Can I repack my bearings myself, or should I take it to a professional?
A: If you are comfortable working on your trailer and have the necessary tools, you can repack your bearings yourself. However, if you are unsure or lack experience, it’s best to take it to a qualified mechanic. Improper repacking can cause more harm than good.
Q6: What happens if I don’t repack my bearings?
A: Neglecting to repack your bearings can lead to bearing failure. This can cause wheel lockup, damage to the trailer’s axle and suspension, and potentially lead to an accident.
Q7: Should I replace the races when I repack the bearings?
A: Replacing the races is recommended if they show signs of wear, damage, or pitting. If the races are in good condition, you can reuse them, but it’s crucial to inspect them carefully. Replacing both the bearings and races together is the ideal practice.
Q8: How do I know the correct torque for the spindle nut?
A: Consult your trailer’s manual or the axle manufacturer’s specifications for the correct torque value. Using the wrong torque can damage the bearings.
Q9: What’s the best way to clean the old grease off the bearings?
A: Use brake cleaner or solvent specifically designed for cleaning bearings. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the bearing surfaces. Spray the bearings thoroughly and use a brush to remove any stubborn grease.
Q10: Can I reuse the old cotter pin?
A: No. Always use a new cotter pin when reinstalling the spindle nut. Reusing an old cotter pin can compromise its strength and lead to failure.
Q11: What is the purpose of the grease seal?
A: The grease seal prevents grease from leaking out of the hub and keeps dirt and debris from entering, protecting the bearings from contamination.
Q12: How do I dispose of used grease and solvent properly?
A: Dispose of used grease and solvent at a designated hazardous waste disposal facility or collection center. Never pour them down the drain or onto the ground.
By following this comprehensive guide and taking the necessary precautions, you can confidently repack the bearings on your travel trailer, ensuring a safe and enjoyable towing experience. Remember to prioritize safety, take your time, and consult your trailer’s manual for specific instructions.