Grease for trailer wheels?

Ki Ki

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 12, 2010
Messages
292
So the new to us boat has little rubber caps on the center of the rims on our Shorelander trailer. The previous owner said you can fill that cap with grease. I nodded. Now I don't know how much grease or what type of grease I'm looking for?
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
Re: Grease for trailer wheels?

Can you take a pic of a hub. Some with a rubber plug or caps have a grease zerk fitting behind them. A pic will clarify and get the right advice.
 

Ki Ki

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 12, 2010
Messages
292
Re: Grease for trailer wheels?

I'll get it tomorrow. Anyone know how to upload iPhone photos?
 

hivoltg

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 15, 2013
Messages
186
Re: Grease for trailer wheels?

Here is my opinion on wheel bearing grease: Dont mix different brands.

So you have two options.
1 Ask the previous owner what he used and keep using it.
2 Take the wheel bearings apart, inspect them, adjust them, repack them with the grease you like. I use a good marine grease in mine.

I recommend option 2. It allows you to inspect the bearings and races for pitting or damage. It also gives you peace of mind that its all good and you arn't going to loose a wheel going down the road.

Taking them apart is really easy. Me and my 12 yr old did it in an hour to all four wheels one afternoon.

If you go with option 1 the zerk grease fitting should be on a plate with a spring pushing it back behind the rubber cover. You want to put in some grease to where that plate starts to come toward you. Not too much tho. If you over grease the bearings, you will blow out the seals on the back side of the wheels. This will create a water entry spot. Water + bearings = stuck on the side of the road.
 
Last edited:

ricohman

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 30, 2011
Messages
1,631
Re: Grease for trailer wheels?

I agree with a repack. I would repack the bearings on any "new to me" trailer.
Even my new car hauler needed the preload set, and that was a new trailer.
 
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