Do Trailer Bearings Need to be Cleaned When Re-packing
Updated 07/12/2024 | Published 02/08/2010
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Do you have to clean the bearings or can you just add grease. I have a 16foot toy hauler, used about 5 times a year for the past two years.
asked by: Ian B
Expert Reply:
I would remove the hubs and clean the bearings and the inside of the hubs. Just adding grease will allow any impurities that have entered the hub to remain in there with your bearings. Water, sand, salt and other road grime inevitably work their way into the bearings and will eventually cause damage if the bearings are not cleaned. You also get the added benefit of being able to inspect the bearings, races, hubs and brakes for wear or damage.
Knowing that your trailer is in good shape and will perform as needed when on a trip will give peace of mind that you are safe. I generally repack the bearings on my two trailers every other year. I do one per year and the task usually takes about an hour. If you have an easy lube style of axle on the trailer then adding grease is a good thing to do. Just do not add too much once the hub has been initially filled.
I am including some video links on how to inspect the trailer hub and how to repack the bearings on your trailer. Also, some parts links of some items that will help you when repacking your trailer bearings.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: tongue mount spare tire
- Search Results: trailer kickstand
- Video: All You Need to Know About the Optronics LED Trailer License Plate Light
- Video: CE Smith Spare Tire Mount for Trailers Review
- Video: CE Smith Spare Tire Carrier for Trailers Review
- Q&A: Options For Increasing Fender Clearance On A Single Axle Trailer
- Search Results: marker
- Search Results: red grease
- Search Results: hinged license plate bracket
- Search Results: fenders
- Search Results: spare mount
- Shop: Kenda Karrier KR53 ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Silver Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2
- Video: Ultra-Fab Folding Spare Tire Mount for Trailers and RVs Review
- Shop: Buyers Products 36" Fluorescent Orange Marker Kit - Bolt On
- Shop: Double Lip Grease Seal - 1.500" ID - 1.987" OD
- Q&A: Difference Between a ST175/80D13 and a ST175/80R13 Trailer Tire
- Q&A: Can 12 Inch Trailer Tires and Wheels be Replaced with 13 Inch
- Shop: etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Collar for 2" Hitch Receivers
- Shop: Kenda Karrier KR35 ST205/75R14 LRC Radial Trailer Tire w/ 14" Nardo Gray Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Shop: Optronics LED Trailer License Plate Light - 5 Diodes - Chrome Plated - Clear Lens
- Shop: etrailer Spare Tire Mount for Trailer with Angle-Iron Railing - Clamp On
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is Needed to Re-Pack Trailer Bearings With EZ-Lube or Posi-Lube Axle
- Video: Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly Review
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the Easy Grease Trailer Hub/Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles
- Video: In-Depth Review of the 4-Leaf Slipper Spring w/ Radius End for 2,000-lb Trailer Axles
- Q&A: Weight and Speed Rating of Kenda Karrier KR53 ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Wheel
- Q&A: Do You Still Have To Clean and Repack Dexter E-Z Lube Axles Once a Year
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes and Grease Seal Failure
Perry D.
7/12/2024
What is the best bearing cleaning method? After wiping as much of the grease off as possible, should they be soaked in mineral spirits? Or some type of solvent?