How Often Do Trailer Wheel Bearings Need to be Greased

Published 07/27/2016

Products Featured in This Question

50MM Nev-R-Lube Bearing for 8,000-lb Dexters - Qty 1

(60)

$267.84

Bearing, 42MM Nev-R-Lube 42MM x 76MM x 39MM

(34)

$239.38

Question:

Never heard of bearings that did not need to be greased, bought a new trailer and bearing seized had to heat it to get it off?

asked by: Joe

Helpful Expert Reply:

Standard tapered trailer wheel bearings are recommended to be re-packed with fresh bearing grease about every year or every 12,000 miles under normal use. In certain conditions this interval could be shorter, such as if you routinely tow the trailer under conditions of extreme heat or near its maximum load capacity. This and other recommended trailer maintenance procedures are outlined in the linked article, which may interest you.

I also linked an article that provides an overview of the types and grades of grease products available today.

There are non-tapered Nev-R-Lube cartridge-style bearings like # 31-71-3, # 31-72-3 and # 31-73-3 that work with specific compatible hubs but these do not fit the majority of standard hub assemblies. Your photo appears to show standard tapered bearings which do require lubrication.

expert reply by: Adam R