Trailer Wheel Seems Stiff, Not as Easy to Turn After Repacking Bearings with Grease
Updated 07/12/2017 | Published 07/11/2017
Question:
I did my first bearing repack last night on a very light popup. Prior to the repack the wheel spun very freely. Afterwards it felt stiffer and clearly did not spin easy anymore. It didnt take effort, it just spin forever. Could this be the new grease or perhaps an indication that I missed lubricating something? It was just the castle nut, cotter pin, and two bearings with a 10-9 grease seal, and Im fairly certain I didnt overtighten the castle nut.
asked by: Bryce L
Expert Reply:
Before you added the new grease did you completely remove all of the old grease from everywhere? I bring it up because not all greases are compatible with each other and it can cause the grease to break down. It wouldn't happen over night but it is something to think about.
You should be able to spin the wheel but it wouldn't just spin and spin like the Price is Right wheel; it would go around maybe once or so (depending on how hard you turned it). Also, if this is a hub and drum brake assembly then the pad material drags on the inside of the drum which would slow it down some.
Provided the bearings where packed fully with grease I doubt you missed anything. If it is an EZ lube axle then you could pack the bearing by hand, put everything together, then add more grease to the grease zerk while spinning the wheel at the same time. But for a regular axle you would pack the bearings, lube the spindle, and put everything back together.
The castle nut should be tightened and backed off, repeated a few times, and then the last time it should be backed off 1 notch and then the pin put through (or tang washer).
Product Page this Question was Asked From
LubriMatic Prime Guard High Temperature Wheel Bearing Grease - Red - 16-oz Can
- Lubricants Sealants Adhesives
- Grease
- Brake and Bearing Grease
- Lithium Complex-Based
- Standard Bearing Grease
- Polyurea - Conventional
- 16 oz
- LubriMatic
more information >
Continue Researching
- Search Results: race l44610 trailer bearings races seals caps
- Search Results: l68149 bearing
- Search Results: l44649
- Search Results: gas cans
- Shop: Grease Seal - Double Lip - ID 1.719" / OD 2.565" - for 3,500-lb Axles - Qty 2
- Shop: Replacement Race - L68110
- Shop: CE Smith Bearing Kit for 1-1/16" to 1-3/8" Tapered Spindle
- Shop: Dexter Bearing Kit for 1-1/16" to 1-3/8" Tapered Spindle
- Video: The Low-Down on the Flint Hill Goods Spare Tire Mount
- Shop: Hub Bearing Kit for Lippert, Dexter, and AL-KO Axles - 3,500 lb with #84 Spindle
- Shop: Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L68149
- Q&A: Where Does O-Ring of Dexter Vault Kit # DX52UR Go
- Shop: Timken Bearing Kit, L44643 Inner/Outer Bearings, L44610 Inner/Outer Races, 204507 Seal
- Article: Replacing the Bearing, Races and Seals on a Trailer Hub
- Video: All About the Grease Seal
- Q&A: Recommended 185/80-13 Trailer Tires For Highway Use
- Q&A: Does etrailer Mount Wheels and Tires
- Q&A: Looking for Smaller Diameter Replacement Tire for Bass Boat Trailer
- Q&A: Backspacing of Kenda Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Black Mod Wheel # AM31990
- Article: How to Bleed Your Trailer Surge Brakes
- Search Results: wheel only
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Search Results: wheel
- Q&A: Picking Out Hubs and Brake Assemblies for Tandem Axle Trailer that Weighs 6k
- Q&A: Pre-Greased Hub/Drum for 3500 lb Spindles on 2018 R Pod 178 and Four Winns D0210S02 Trailer
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: A Closer Look at the Fulton Grease Cap
- Video: Review of etrailer Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps - Bearing Kit - BK1-150
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Spindle Grease Seal Set for L44643 Inner Bearing and 1.980 Bearing Buddy Spec Review
on Lubricants Sealants Adhesives
