How Often Should Bearings Be Greased And How Much Grease Should I Add?

Updated 03/28/2025 | Published 03/07/2025

Question:

How can you tell when your trailer axle bearing have enough grease and when to grease them? Mine have a grease zerk on the end of the axle you remove a cap to get too.

asked by: Robert O

Expert Reply:

Hello Robert, thanks for reaching out. If you have grease zerks on your spindles, you would want to slowly add grease until it starts coming out of the spindle or the front of the hub. Do not force too much grease in and overfill or you can blow out the seal which can be messy.

When you do add grease, make sure you use the exact same kind of grease that is currently in your hubs. Some grease types do not mix. I have included our grease compatibility chart for you below.

Generally you will want to add grease every 12 months or 12,000 miles. It is recommended to do a visual inspection of your hubs every 3,000 miles or 3 months.

I hope this helps. Leave a reply below with any other comments or questions and I will get back to you.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Spindle With Grease Zerk
(click to enlarge)

Grease Compatibility Chart
(click to enlarge)

Robert O.

3/20/2025

Thanks that helps. I have another question. I have just purchased a 2015 dual axle box trailer. What maintenance items should I look for and do you have any videos on how to check for wear or any conditions that may need replacing or repaired?

Jesse M.

3/20/2025

@RobertO Cool congrats on the new trailer! You will definitely want to give everything a once-over. Check all the lights and brakes and make sure it is all working as it should. It is also good to check both hubs and make sure the spindles and bearings are good to go. Look for any gouges or pitting on the spindles. Replacing and repacking the bearings is also a good idea, especially if you don't know when they were last replaced. Check out these links below. One goes over how to do the bearings, and the other is our trailer maintenance checklist. I hope this helps and feel free to contact me if you have questions.

Helpful Links

faq-rv-maintenance-checklist.aspx

faq-wheelbearingpack.aspx

Robert O.

3/20/2025

@Jesse Next question: The trailer has electric brakes but my pickup does not. How difficult is it to put a controller in my pickup? I have the larger plug that I believe will accommodate electric brakes. 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 4.7 L Crew cab.

Jesse M.

3/20/2025

@RobertO Yes your Ram should already have the round 7-way plug which will indeed accommodate electric brakes. You will just need to add an electric trailer brake controller in the cab and this will be quite easy. Fortunately since you have the factory 7-way, this means there will be a factory brake control plug ready for you to use. It will be up behind the brake pedal. For a brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha P3 # TK44ER. This comes with the controller, as well as the custom harness for a plug and play install. Take a look at the video in this link and let me know what else I can do to help :)

Helpful Links

tv-install-tekonsha-prodigy-p3-brake-controller-2003-dodge-ram-90195.aspx