Do Bearings, Races, and Seals on an EZ Lube Spindle Have to be Changed and Repacked

Updated 05/31/2012 | Published 05/29/2012

Question:

I have a trailer with the grease fitting in the end of the axle . I put grease in to the point I push the old grease out. Do I still need to repack the bearings, and replace seal, and races? 8 year old Loadmaster , Saltwater.1,000 miles per year

asked by: Nick

Expert Reply:

It is still a good idea to periodically change out the bearings and seals in a hub even if you have an EZ Lube axle. Races can be tricky to remove as well but if other parts are worn it would be a good idea to replace them if you are replacing everything else.

You will not necessarily have to repack the ones in there if they were packed properly the first time. But when you do change bearings at some point, it is a good idea to package them first, even though you will be pumping in grease later. Just make sure that the grease packed in the bearings is compatible with the grease you pump in unless they are the same grease.

I have included a link to a video that will show you the process of removing and inspecting the trailer bearings, races, and seals, and how to replace them.

The issue is that grease can break down over time and unless you are very meticulous about replacing the grease, parts can heat up and wear out. To get new ones, I would need to know the inner and outer bearing numbers stamped into the metal of the bearings.

expert reply by: Michael H