grease wheel bearings - how often?

[dajohnson53]

I do not do my own wheel bearing work. I have a good mechanic who (1) is a well-recommended pro, (2) does the bearings for what I consider to be reasonable price and (3) can always fit me in on the day I need the work done. I haven't had one bit of problems with my trailer brakes or bearings since he's been doing the maintenance for me.<br /><br />I think I tend to over do it with having the bearings checked and greased. I have it done in the fall before storage (if I can - otherwise first thing in the spring). I also have them done mid-late season just before I take the final long trip (750 mile roundtrip) with the rig. Before that long trip, in a typical season, I think I average about 1,000 miles and 20 - 30 dunkings (10 - 15 launch/retreives). The trailer has bearing buddies which I check and fill as needed.<br /><br />Is this over-kill? How many miles and/or dunkings should wheel bearings go before it needs to be checked and lubed? Is there a simple, straightforward DIY check that can be done without disassembly? I've always been willing to spend a little money for peace of mind - if the bearings failed on this long trip, I'd be majorly screwed because it could be 150 miles one way to a town where the problem could be fixed, and would effectively end the trip.<br /><br />Thanks for any advice.

 

[tommays]

Re: grease wheel bearings - how often?

well i am a once a year no matter what person so it comes down to if the mid season is nessary<br /><br /><br />i do a lets say 6 to 8 saltwater launches in the spring then do a round trip to lake george in july (500 miles)and then another 6 to 8 salt water launches in the fall <br /><br />i have been doing this for 10 years and this year was the first time i had any pitting in the outer races and had to put in new bearings<br /><br />i have no dought that i WOULD have had a breakdown if i was NOT doing the yearly repacking<br /><br /><br />

<br /><br />this felt a littel strange <br /><br />

<br /><br />this was clunkly to the ear and there was no dought it was bad before i had it apart<br /><br />in both cases the outer bearing near the buddy was perfect but the inner bearing was dammaged<br /><br />i due my bearings and brakes in the spring if i had done them in the fall the water might not have had time to pit the races but it did get in there <br /><br /> the small pits turned into big pits which would have turned into a breakdown without the maintance<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[craze1cars]

Re: grease wheel bearings - how often?

Once a year repack/inspect. Plus keep the bearing buddies visibly pressurized. I run freshwater only.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: grease wheel bearings - how often?

Once a month. I have BB's, and a slightly leaking rear seal on both wheels.<br /><br />I trailer all year, several times a week, just a few miles to the slip, and salt water.<br /><br />Will rebuild both sets this winter just for insurance.

 

[Triton II]

Re: grease wheel bearings - how often?

I haven't replaced my bearings and they're coming up for two years old. I looked at them and repacked them with grease in February. I grease every Sunday evening with a grease gun to the nipple on the BBs, right after the big weekly wash/rinse/Inox spray and vacuum. Just a little to ensure the BBs are about half way out. I launch and retrieve about 6 times a week in saltwater but the ramp is less than a mile away. However I'm planning a long trip over our summer (Christmas-New Year) and will put new bearings and disc brake pads in for that.

 

[KaGee]

Re: grease wheel bearings - how often?

Just replaced all of mine. Previous owner used crappy non-marine gease and the bearings were pitted, similar to Tommays pics. I would not replace them unless there is a reason. Just repack.<br /><br />I do freshwater only and use bearing buddies. My previous trailering experience is every other year for maintenance is fine. Keep the BB's pumped up but not too much, you can blow out your rear seal.<br /><br />Make sure not to mix greases too!

 

[DJ]

Re: grease wheel bearings - how often?

Is this over-kill?

Obviously not. You haven't had a failure.<br /><br />I say, keep it up.

 

[QC]

Re: grease wheel bearings - how often?

Originally posted by D.:<br /> Is there a simple, straightforward DIY check that can be done without disassembly?

This is not intended as a replacement for the maintenance, but for peace of mind. What I do before every trip is I jack up each wheel and give it a little wiggle and spin. If it feels loose or makes any noise then I know something's up. Makes me feel better anyway . . .

 

[Pony]

Re: grease wheel bearings - how often?

I have a little grease gun that i use with my BB's. I know that if you fill em the rear seals can go (as already mentioned) so i usually just give each one a quick pump or two before eacht trip.

 

[reddog349]

Re: grease wheel bearings - how often?

I check and top of the grease on my bearing buddies after every use.

 

[whiteman]

Re: grease wheel bearings - how often?

Average weekly saltwater use and plenty of highway millage. Change bearings annually and they are in good condition with Buddies. For the rest of the wheel assembly I give it a liberal spray of WD40 after every washdown. I guess you can't do too much trailer maintenance but the bank manager will start complaining at some point!