How Repack And Service Your Trailer's Wheel Bearings

Often forgotten until it's too late and you're broken down alongside the highway, your trailer's wheel bearings need regular maintenance. It's greasy but it's easy!
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[@b.e.williams7263]

It's nice to see someone on KZbin doing bearings the SIMPLE and RIGHT way thank you I have been doing bearings on the farm just like that for 25 years now that's how grampa did that's how dad did it

[@mmkiehn]

Always enjoy watching someone else doing the work! Totally agree that Chinese bearings would be a last resort.

[@chriskourlos4407]

Very few fellas left this sweet. Willing to try and master most all things. More proof of God's word like Jesus. I can do all things thru christ who strengthens me. God continue blessing you and may he keep you. Thankyou brother.

[@jonkirkwood469]

I got my cargo trailer today, so: here we go. I'll be leaning on your videos as my wife and I convert the box. Got a 7X12 single axle Neo Motorsports cargo trailer. Your videos really helped me make an informed decision. An aside, years ago, my wife and I had a wonderful dinner and evening with Captain Al Haynes and his lovely wife Darlene. Lovely people.

[@gonagain]

That would have been an interesting evening I'm sure. As for your new trailer, you're in for a great time!

[@badgerpa9]

I don't even like to repack my own trailers bearings, why did I watch you do it? Better than the news.

[@weswalker1208]

I go to KZbin to escape reality

[@3generations393]

Ah -ha-ha. This old widow likes to watch men work. 😎💞🤣

[@ChuckisOutside]

Good video Rick. I carry a laser thermometer and check the hub temperature when I fuel up. Just a little extra peace of mind.

[@gonagain]

Another good use for my laser thermometer! Thanks.

[@alanosborne1947]

Well look at you going all old school!! I learned how to pack bearings and install seals like that 50 years ago and still do it to this day! I have taught my sons the same way technique. On another note I got my water purifier made I used the same filters you used but different containers. It's working great!

[@gonagain]

It's nice to know you have that filter in case you need it. Thanks for watching, Alan!

[@w.a.stewart3191]

This is what my husband does every year at the start of the year.

[@wrbruce6100]

If you want a job well done and you can do it yourself that’s the way to go. How many people remember putting in points and condenser on a car, I do. I had a Plymouth Road Runner and I had to punch mark the inside of the wheel to keep the race from turning inside the wheel, who had money back then for a new drum. That’s the reason everything got so complicated, to easy to do the job yourself. Years ago I had never heard of anyone taking a car to a dealership if the warranty had run out. Good video my friend, can’t wait to see you on the road.

[@gonagain]

Remember having drums turned? These days it's cheaper to buy a new drum or disc. Road trip videos beginning on Friday!!!

[@jackswiatek6145]

Great video! That covers all aspects of the job and really, there is not much one can do to improve the process. There is one thing that I do differently - I remove the wheel from the hub. Just makes it easier to handle the hub assembly. Thanks!

[@TOTALLYRELAXED]

“Never too old to learn something new” is what my dad always said as I was growing up! Thanks for sharing! Good information!

[@weswalker1208]

Bearings on a trailer work harder than the vehicle's bearings. Normally the tire is shorter so it's turning at a higher RPM dealing with more temperature. Great p.m. video

[@wali_wingnut240]

Yep I have done alot of wheel bearings the same way and without all of the fancy tools. Been doing it that way for just over thirty years.

[@bryanschwertner3585]

I know how to repack wheel bearings, have done it many many times. But I just don’t like doing it! Ha ha. Enjoyed it!

[@johnmicalizzi126]

Old school way you did it right! If no blue or pits keep repacking the old ones and new seals

[@brianevans4525]

I been doing it the same way putting the seal in with a piece of wood works great

[@markreynolds3850]

I have a boat trailer and I did this maintenance and change out the bearings even though they were not that bad, replaced bearing and races cleaned real good .I used shop towels for cleaning.replaced greased seals , actually I enjoyed doing this did not mind doing this

[@3generations393]

Watched my late honey do many of these. LOL I was never able to break the lug nuts. Thank you & tell Linda we missed her. She could show us how to properly launder all this mess. Oh- that reminds me-I did not see any go-jo ? 🙏✌🌎💞

[@gonagain]

Hello 3 Generations, I go through boxes of those disposable nitrile gloves and wish I had them when I was younger.

[@3generations393]

@@gonagain Ha-no gloves for Art. Lots of rags & gojo. I washed the blue out of his jeans & the grease held on 😂🤣 Happy Mothers day Linda 👋

[@hg2.]

👍👍 Thanks for making! Have been wondering about this for a while.

[@KepaWong]

That brought back memories! I used to work in an aircraft tire and wheel shop when I was a kid and that is exactly how we did it. We had a bearing press, but I often used a block of wood and a hammer too.

[@jlrilea3083]

I do remember that task while growing up on the.farm

[@joellynparks7805]

Thank you. I appreciate your skills.

[@JohnnyDub16]

A very satisfying job well done 👍🏻

[@realeyesrealizereallies6828]

Nice job, good thing to show people.. Tons of respect for a do it yourself, spread the knowledge, type of guy like yourself....

[@johnthompson5792]

Good stuff,,, You & Linda be well out there!

[@gonagain]

Thanks, you too, John!

[@patricklondon6006]

Another informative video, well done.

[@teresaf5480]

👍👍 great informational video

[@jerrydeanswanson79]

That's number 8 on my list of things to do...

[@Blackopsmechanic338]

Some times there are certain parts that require the correct manufacture. No avoiding it when it comes to grease, you’ll get it on everything 😂😂. Great PM and a important one. Peace

[@alanjackson4646]

Looked good to me. Keep safe. Regards AJ

[@ernestpaul2484]

Starting out in the the garage about the age of 6, I can't remember the amount of times my hands were covered in wheel bearing grease "helping" my dad. Then as a teenager the trend continued, but mainly on my own vehicles or that of friend's. I did finally did buy a bearing packer, the vinyl kind with the center post that once you put the bearing over it and then the top concave piece, you hit it with the grease gun thru the zerk fitting on the post. It wasn't until the late 90's I believe that the gloves became "a thing". Funny how we didn't die from petroleum exposure or osmosis. Of course there were other things that we did in the 60's and 70's that would horrify some parents today. Yet here we are all these years later, being assimilated into the internet.

[@gonagain]

I hear you and am glad I lived through the 60s and 70s too. It wasn't because I was smart...

[@ShelbySquatch]

Great vid! It's great to check, repack or replace bearings. I use BEARING BUDDIES which i install on all my trailers and use marine grease which is much better in my opinion 😉

[@gonagain]

Thanks for the info!

[@ShelbySquatch]

@@gonagain you're welcome

[@jrcook927]

I once watched a show where they put the grease in a ziploc bag, tossed in the bearing, zipped it closed, then massaged the grease all through the bearing. I can't say if it's easier or even as thorough, but in case you're wondering, it still comes out messy! LOL

[@gonagain]

That might be a good trick.

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

_This my favorite job; " stuporvise " while other work with grease. I would spell supervise, but I don't how! : ) Stuporvising is four beers, and Supervising is just water!_

[@billthompson5644]

There's a place called Bearings Inc. I had to replace the steering column bearings in my 69 F250 390 4 speed was that a pain in the butt but they had the part. Another thing you could maybe do on The Wider side of the wheel bearings there's usually a part number stamped I worked at AutoZone for a long time and so maybe you could just compare the part number but you have and see if they have The Identical part.

[@gonagain]

Thanks for the info Bill. I'll remember Bearings Inc.

[@Steve-Goff]

Jack of all trades, master of none. Very informative video. I know you’re doing them as maintenance but how do you know if they’re bad or need regreased

[@ChuckisOutside]

Dry bearing or rust. Will feel rough or growling sound when you spin the wheel. Tire leaning. Hub is hot to touch. Wheel comes off and passes you going down the highway.

[@gonagain]

To add to what C Davis said, If you have them apart and they are pitted or discolored (from heat) then you need to replace them.

[@Jixton]

This is very important to do. How do you monitor your wheel bearing? do you check when on a trip to see if there are hot?

[@gonagain]

Yes I do, at least once a day while I'm getting gas. I just feel them and they are usually barely warm. A digital thermometer is a good idea for this.

[@ex-engineer6657]

I identify with you in many ways. Neat, organized, and attentive to details. We're you an engineer before retiring ? Y'all make a great channel, thanks. I do bearings the same way, since I was a kid building my own bicycles... Also a long time ago.

[@gonagain]

I'm a retired commercial pilot, but I've had many trades along the way. Like you, I started out working on my bicycle!

[@hgj2019]

@@gonagain well, THAT explains a lot. I always felt you had a pilot’s methodical mentality. Many bases to cover when you’re flying, just the actual FLYING part, not to mention the morass of FAR’s.

[@richard4743]

Hello Rick good packing job and as allways good presention; Timken bearings old and trusted name. You ; like me have been around when cars and trucks were easy to work on with out special tools but the basics are still there and with mecanical ability we do ok.Do you remember when there was 2 kinds of wheel bearing grease; one with fiber and one with out, i havent been able to find the fiber one , here in N E in years. is it offered in big sky country or along the Western Devide ?, reguards richard

[@gonagain]

HI Richard, I haven't seen that kind in years either.

[@richardr1891]

Thanks ... I guess I'll have to stop putting off doing mine now .... what kind of oil leaks ... I'm deciding whether I should do my intake manifold gaskets for possible coolant leaks into the oil sump ... you may provide some motivation or not.

[@gonagain]

Valley pan leak (under the intake manifold), 3 leaks from the front differential and one that I haven't figured out yet. I got them all but the last one, which isn't very bad.

[@richardr1891]

@@gonagain I think I may have a very small coolant leak into the oil from intake manifold gasket which apparently is common with 4.3 Vortec ... may be similiar same small block V8 less two front cylinders ... just put in a new water pump, distributor, evap solinoid and idler wheel in March now it all has to come off again .. at least you only have to do it once ... good luck ..

[@ralphp3057]

Good Video. The inside of your rims should not be covered with grease. Tap out grease seals from other side . Don’t use channel locks. Just sharing my opinion. 😬👍

[@jimmybutler3728]

I HAVE HAD TO DO IT FOR MY PICKUP ON A TRIP ON THE WEEKEND WITH NO MECHANIC AVAILABLE AND THE PARTS DEPARTMENT DIDN'T THINK I COULD DO IT MY SELF, BUT I DID IT AND GOT HOME FINE...

[@gonagain]

Sometimes it's faster to do it yourself too. Thanks for watching another video Jimmy!

[@gladegoodrich2297]

You remind me of my brother in law who can fix everything.

[@jlrilea3083]

Oh how I remember packing bearings while growing up on the farm.

[@0556rick]

👍👍👍

[@chirogirl67550]

Good video…if you put the bearing seal into the freezer for 45 minutes to an hour, it will slip right in. Peace and Blessings

[@gonagain]

Good tip, Yvonne.

[@gregpeterman1102]

How do you get the cap covers off?

[@gonagain]

Tap a flat bladed screwdriver into the crevice to get them started and then wiggle them off with a pair of channel locks. Or you can continue to work them off with the screwdriver to avoid damage. They are cheap to replace in case you damage one.

[@marketshare5273]

You may want to check your axles for impacts and shackles leaf springs for cracks at the same time never know when your might breaker a Leaf spring in the middle of nowhere and I have to find some old man to Jerry rig it with a ratchet strap and a piece of wood. 😱😂😂😂👊👍😎

[@gonagain]

Lol! Today's job is taking the old leaf spring I got from the opposite side and strapping it up under the trailer to store it for a spare.

[@marketshare5273]

@@gonagain sounds like a good idea to me with all the exploratory roads you go on. 👊👍😎

[@chrislincoln489]

Zerk Fittings

[@jimmybutler3728]

WE ALL NEED TO RECALL HOW TO DO THINGS OF TAKING CARE OF OUR SELVES AND EQUIPMENT, FOR IT IS NOT ALWAYS SOME ONE TO DO IT FOR US, AND TAKE CARE OF OUR SELVES WITH OUT ALWAYS EXPECTING SOME ONE ELSE TO TAKE CARE OF US MORE THAN OUR SELVES...

[@jimmybutler3728]

@@Natschke_Family_Adventures Only if I make the words I type bolder and stand out louder than the lies of men or women that seek for others to take care of them more than them selves...

[@3generations393]

@@Natschke_Family_Adventures 😂🤣😂👍

[@jamesjackson7752]

Did you ever check out Moringa.

[@gonagain]

I did but I haven't tried it yet.

[@jamesjackson7752]

@@gonagain what are you wakeing for . You want to feel better no aches & pain an a lot of get up & go.

[@taco472]

That’s gotta be my least favorite job in auto maintenance. Yes lots of rags, seems like you wipe once or twice with a clean rag and then there isn’t a clean place on it. I like using ‘Moly’ grease best , it adheres to the bearing surface better and is super slick.

[@markreynolds3850]

It called pre load

[@gonagain]

Yep!

[@brianevans4525]

Oh for around 30 yrs I'm 43.

[@missouritraveler6401]

You know what You're doing about how to pack a Wheel Bearing as far as the packing goes . Here's how I was taught in Automotive School in 1964 by one heck of a great Ford Mechanic. He taught Us to never wash Wheel Bearings out with Gasoline as it washes the protective oil film off. I would think Brake clean would do the same thing. Instead use Kerosene or Diesel Fuel to clean the Bearings as it will leave a clean oil film. Never spin the Bearings with high pressure air only enough air to dry the Bearing from the solvent used. Use only a high temperature grease made for Wheel Bearings. You packed the Bearings right, adding the amount to the outer surface of the Bearing to contact the race is correct and is all the grease that needs to be used. Adding more grease than this is detrimental. Which may be the reason the back side of Your rim is black. Check and see if this is not grease that has been forced past the seal. If You have 15" tires the Trailer tires are turning the same amount of times Your car wheels are. You don't pack Your Car's Front Wheel Bearings every 12,000 miles do You? If I had a Bearing Buddy on My trailer I would take it off or not use it. If You have some spare time checking Your trailer Wheel Bearing's once a Year would be fine and will give You peace of mind to see that You had enough grease in the first place. The correct way to torque the Bearing is spin the wheel and tighten the Nut snug to seat the Bearing, then back it off 1 Cotter Pin hole and install the Cotter Pin Check with the Trailer or Axel Mfg. to make sure this is right. Finger tight after the Bearing is seated may be the new way.

[@gonagain]

Lots of great information there Missouri Traveler! Thank you very much.

[@missouritraveler6401]

@@gonagain One thing I would like to clarify for tightening the Spindle Nut also called a Castellated Nut. Rotate the wheel and tighten the Nut good and tight with a pair of 10" Channel lock Pliers to seat the Bearings. We call this Snug. With the Nut snug the slot in the Castellated Nut needs to be lined up with hole (Keyway) in the Spindle where You could install the Cotter Key. Back the Nut off 1 Castellation(or 1 Cotter Key slot) and install the Cotter Key. This gives the Bearings clearance so they don't run too hot. Again check with the Trailer Mfg. or Axel Mfg. and follow their recommendations for Bearing tightness and clearance. Always use High Temperature Wheel Bearing Grease, not grease that You would use to grease Your Suspension with. You're a Learned Man and I believe a Good Guy. You put Your Grease Seals in just like I do. Enjoy Your video's.

[@davidcandy2220]

@@missouritraveler6401 Great advise there. The same teaching that I received from a mechanic on wheel bearing fitting.

[@missouritraveler6401]

@@davidcandy2220 We had a great teacher and I was fortunate as a Youth to Have a neighbor who took Me under His wing and he let Me help Him. Both of these Men were excellent Teachers. The good Mechanics make You want to be like them.

[@dadams19111]

SNOW!!!!! ugh!!!

[@sasquatch885]

I like working with my hands. But I don’t like getting my finger nails dirty.😎

[@gonagain]

Hello Son of Dad, I go through boxes of those nitrile gloves.