How to Grease Boat Trailer Wheel Bearings on Trailer that Has Rubber Flange on Grease Cap

Updated 06/25/2014 | Published 06/22/2014

Products Featured in This Question

2" Lubed Dust Cap & Rubber Plug - 1.99" x 1.40" x 1.18" - Qty 1

(649)

$8.55

LubriMatic Marine Trailer Wheel Bearing Grease - 3 oz. Cartridges - Qty 3

(299)

$32.04

Question:

I purchased a 17foot boat with Load Right trailer in 2011. I figured that by now I should grease the wheel bearings. Wheels have a rubber flange covering the bearing. After I removed it a found no lubrication nipples or anything else where I could attached the grease gun. Please advise if I need to or how I can lubricate these wheels.

asked by: Peter B

Expert Reply:

It is a good idea to inspect and lubricate your trailer bearings at least once per year at the start of the season. If your trailer has a grease cap like # DC200L-DCRP but does not have EZ-Lube spindles with a zerk grease fitting to allow use of a grease gun it may be that these caps were added in place of standard grease caps.

In this case you will need to remove and re-pack your bearings with fresh marine grease like # L54FR as outlined in the linked video and article.

If you wish you can replace your grease caps with Bearing Buddy grease caps that have a zerk fitting. These can be seen and selected based on your hub's bore (equivalent to the Bearing Buddy's outer diameter) using the link provided. You will need to take a precise measurement using a digital caliper in order to select the correct Bearing Buddy for your trailer's hub.

expert reply by: Adam R