How to Repack Trailer Wheel Bearings [Start to Finish]

We use this grease: amzn.to/3u19jYo
& this bearing packer will make your life easier if you repack a bunch of bearings: amzn.to/47b6i5W
A complete run-through of how to repack wheel bearings on a trailer. Basic trailer maintenance explained.
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[@brianmcdaid3178]

Liked the video. I'm an old Air Force crew chief. In tech school for aircraft maintenance specialist, jet aircraft, one and two engines they taught us how to pack wheel bearings for aircraft that takke off and land at well over 125 MPH. The method you demonstrated for packing the bearing is exactly what the AF taught us. On tightening the axle nut, aircraft have torque values for both initial and final torque but for cars, trucks and trailers I first tighten the nut as I rotate the wheel. Tighten it pretty tight and rotate the tire once or twice to seat the bearing in the race. Back off the nut and tighten, while rotating the wheel until it spins freely with no play. If the cotter key hole is slightly off, I turn the nut in the direction of least movement to align the hole. Going less than half a hole tighter or looser won't matter. The cotter key you used looked really weak from metal fatigue and, if that nut decided to back off, could be a real problem. Also, I've made it a habit at each stop (food, fuel, or personal pit stop) to walk around the rig, look it over and feel the trailer tires and hubs. If just the tire is hot, check the pressure. It's probably low. Slow down until you can get it aired up. If the hub is hot you have a bearing issue. Fix it then and there. Good video. Clear and concise. Other than that bad cotter key, great job.

[@AdventureRig]

Great advice and thanks for watching Brian!

[@Albone3000]

i learned the same way to back a bearing in your palm in school in the 90s. back in the day cars had these too.

[@fandago2008]

really helpful, thanks!

[@goldslinger]

Good info, thanks!

[@rickc2222]

yep agreed, a 20cent cotter pin is not worth reusing when it risks a lost wheel and possibly another driver's death...

[@claytonbigsby2015]

Excellent step-by-step instruction. This is how all KZbin repair/build instructional videos should be produced. And nice dog cameo, too!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for the compliment Clayton. We appreciate you watching.

[@zanstrom686]

Great step by step instructions. The dog getting your 2 × 4 up and out of the way for you was a great addition.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching!! He likes to help clean up 😂

[@michaelpalosaari9460]

So glad I watched your video first! I've never done this and am getting into doing as much of my own mechanical work as possible and this is a job that I need to do for the four tires on my 4 horse Stock trailer. This is such a great video with step by step, easy to follow, gives the WHY's of whats important to look for and how to do the job correctly. Really appreciate this! Thanks!

[@AdventureRig]

You're welcome Michael. We appreciate you watching.

[@vdubing01]

Best bearing vid i've seen. Simple to the point with all the info. Thanks for sharing.

[@AdventureRig]

The DeCampers Thank you for watching!

[@scottwall4669]

Great video with no fluff or bullshit. New subscriber here also!!! Just an idea from my days of packing bearings on golf carts. Use a new pin every time!!! And marine hi temp grease is expensive but way better for heavy trailers, or boat trailers. 7 dollars per tube verses 4 for regular.

[@AdventureRig]

+Scott Wall Thanks for subscribing Scott! A new pin is a great idea and definitely use grease that can withstand the wheel bearing temps.

[@stevencharlton7801]

Great video. Took the challenge to do my own trailer which I was absolutely dreading, having never done this before & usually take to the shop. I could not believe how simple it was! Saved a few pounds & learnt something new. Cheers.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching Steven!

[@RussellJLed]

Great job on the video. Very informative, without being long winded. My RV mechanic is booked up, so I decided I’m going to learn how to repack my bearings. This is the first video I’ve seen with very simple to the point instructions on doing just that. Thanks!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching Russell!

[@sbruslind]

Thank you. Just did my dual axle horse trailer, and the front axle (wi h drum brake) grease cap is threaded. No lip, but lots of hammering until I figured it out. Rear axle is very simple, and grease cap is lipped, so prying worked as you show in your video. Thanks

[@AdventureRig]

Sorry for the late reply Scott and we appreciate you watching.

[@Toto-is8ci]

I am a bike mechanic, and repack wheel bearings all the time, so I have some transferable knowledge to apply the the trailer wheels. But I had no idea how to adjust the play using the castle nut. This video gives me all I need to do the wheels, step by step, safe, focus on key points And the dog edit was fun! THANKS for a clear, well done video.

[@AdventureRig]

You're welcome and thanks for watching!

[@hoeff7481]

Hadn't done this job in a number of years. This video was a great refresher with great tips to make the job easier. Now I'm ready to go tackle my trailer. Thanks!

[@AdventureRig]

K Hoeffner Thanks for watching!

[@jeffreylewis609]

Great clear instructions, best instructional video I have ever seen. No wasted time, great explanations of the how and why. Exactly how my dad taught me to pack my bike bearings as a kid!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks so much for the comment!

[@mikespeiran1230]

Amazingly helpful video, Tyson! I love how you articulate each step and things to look out for. I really appreciate you doing this...loved the dog running off with the wood block!

[@AdventureRig]

We appreciate you watching Mike!

[@paulghorton]

very good, and I will use it to refresh me as I do my own repacking.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching Paul.

[@jerryw2314]

Your video is from a few years ago, but still very relevant to repacking wheel bearings. I have repacked bearings when I was 10 years old believe it or not helping out my grandfather. I enjoyed it very much and it was great for bringing back memories on how to do it. Seems like repacking wheel bearings are nowadays a lost art.

[@AdventureRig]

Hi Gerald. Thanks for watching and glad you have some great memories with your grandfather!

[@paulkoss6401]

Excellent step-by-step instruction. This is how all KZbin repair/build instructional videos should be produced. Thank you so much!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching!

[@Threedog1963]

Thanks for the video. Well thought out and explained. Also liked the appearance of the dog at about 7:52. I'll probably be dealing with that too.

[@AdventureRig]

Glad you liked it and found it helpful.

[@KettlesVids]

Great video! I need to do this on my tent trailer so, thanks for the info. Loved the random shot of the dog grabbing your 2x4. haha :)

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching!

[@thefishkeeper07]

I’ve watched a million videos on how to fix stuff, this was one of the best. Very well explained! Thank you!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamieharding372]

Good video. I just did mine and followed most of these same steps. I went by Dexter’s manual and torqued to 50 ft/lbs to set the bearing, then backed off the nut and went finger tight and installed the locking. Also got new Good Year Endurance tires installed today as well 😁

[@AdventureRig]

I love the Goodyear Endurance tire!

[@7.62fullmetal9]

Thanks heaps, well explained and no crazy music, time for a BUD!

[@AdventureRig]

Glad you found it helpful. Drink up!

[@nathanmciver6496]

Yikes! Scary! Found yourself! Wait, grease protector! And grease seal! Contained! Car quest eh!

[@williamkechkaylo7915]

i always clean the bearings in solvent to remove any dirt and same with the inside of the housing then repack after they are clean and dry. the old grease probably contains contaminants and should be removed.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching William.

[@vanessacolvin8985]

Great video. Thanks for taking the time and explaining each step for those of us that dont do this often.

[@AdventureRig]

You bet. Thanks for watching.

[@nathan2george147]

That was an awesome video. No silliness, very simply and thoroughly explained. EXACTLY what I was looking for. Thank you,

[@AdventureRig]

Thank you for watching Nathan.

[@garonsmules]

I liked your video. Would have liked you giving explanation regarding the greasing of that zerk fitting that was in the axle under the grease cap.

[@nbtholl1]

Those are dexter ez lube axles. Lift the tire up, and put a grease gun on the zerk. While spinning the tire, push grease into the zerk. All the old grease will come out the front.

[@mightymikee]

@@nbtholl1 and for OP, so essentially he could have just squirted some shots of grease instead of manually repacking the bearing?

[@robertflores477]

mightymikee, yes, but don’t forget he was also doing an inspection of all the parts for possible replacements. I imagine if you have a fairly new trailer or not to many miles you can probably just force new grease. I’m glad I was shown the full way to do the job. Have a super nice day! Safe travels.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching Garon.

[@TraconWizard]

​@mightymikee There's a chance if you're not spinning the tire or using a power grease gun, it could blow out the seal and coat brakes.

[@Gorboror]

Dog is putting in some work 7:51

[@AdventureRig]

Sorry for the late reply and we appreciate you watching.

[@jbs0227]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and giving the "why" behind doing things a certain way. I appreciate your insight and experience.

[@AdventureRig]

jbs0227 You're welcome and thank you for watching

[@BrooksBarrow]

Excellent tutorial- thanks. Amazing how these videos are still helpful years down the road.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for the comment!

[@bobbofly]

To knock out the seal without damage, go in through the opening in the spindle cavity where the outer bearing sits & lightly tap on the outer edge of the inside bearing ( the side of the bearing that faces in toward the spindle cavity) with a hammer & wooden dowel. Neither the bearing nor seal is damaged that way.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching Bob.

[@lisacaroline4973]

Thank you Bob. This is true. Not every trailer needs new grease seals. Some trailers have grease seals that take a long time to come here from china. F that!

[@turboflush]

cotter pins are cheap.. replace them. spec on a bearing end play is normally .001" - .005". would be measured with a dial indicator, push in pull out. essentially there should be almost no wobble. to loose and the bearing will work harder only rolling on a couple rollers. to tight and we'll,... it tries to roll on all of them. if install new races, you should also seat the new bearing races. torque spec is handy here.

[@AdventureRig]

Sorry for the late reply and we appreciate you watching.

[@tobydunbar1153]

AWESOME JOB!!!! Thank you for taking the time to make such a clear video!!!

[@AdventureRig]

Thank you for watching.

[@rareairentertainment2794]

I've watched 5 videos on changing a hub and this was absolutely the best.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks appreciate you watching!

[@dennisharold5030]

I bought instruction from Avasva and I build it very very cheap.

[@AdventureRig]

You built what?

[@arcurisano2898]

So awesome to me Dennis. Thank you bro

[@nnoddy8161]

Dude, put a new cotter pin in!!!

[@AdventureRig]

I would have if I had one on hand and all the stores weren't closed. Thanks for watching!

[@treymendus]

Perfect instructional video👍🏻. This has been a big help to me when changing my cartrailer bearings. Thanks 🙏🏻✌🏻

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Trey! We appreciate it.

[@davidmatta9637]

Great video. Easy to follow for a novice boat trailer owner. Thank you.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching David.

[@TomWylie]

Thanks Tyson! Great video and you did a great job explaining the process. I'm an airplane mechanic so am familiar with repacking the bearings on small aircraft, but I've never done a trailer before. Glad to see that it is a very similar process with almost the exact same parts! I feel more prepared to dig into the bearings of a rusty old horse trailer I just picked up and am turning into a tool hauler :)

[@AdventureRig]

Hi Tom. I'm also an A&P but kinda hate to admit that since I reused the old cotter pin. Thanks for watching and have fun with the new trailer!

[@TomWylie]

Haha I thought about mentioning that but saw that you already had plenty of reminders in the other comments :-)

[@davewylie1]

in the 50's I was raised in a Richfield gas station, (arco today) if i've that job once ive done it 100's of times. you have done a great job with your instruction. good job. all safety.

[@AdventureRig]

david wylie Thanks for watching David!

[@MrMichaelarmy1984]

Awesome video! Straight forward, detailed, and to the point! Thanks

[@AdventureRig]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@jimaker2757]

Great video. Very informative and well explained. Thank you for the making!!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching Jim.

[@tomuhle4880]

Excellent! Very well explained. I feel like I can do this myself now. Thanks!

[@AdventureRig]

Tom Uhle thanks for watching Tom!

[@joequinn221]

Best all around video I have seen on this subject, well done!

[@AdventureRig]

Thank you for watching.

[@DiegoVansante]

nice job, first time checking the wheel and bearings out. It took the mystery out of the jog. Thanks again. Diego Vansante

[@AdventureRig]

DiegoVansante You’re welcome and thank you for watching.

[@guysomerville8906]

Tyson......Excellent "how to" video! I looked at at least ten others...your's is by far the best....Good job!

[@AdventureRig]

Thank you!

[@peterfassnacht941]

Nice pace. Very clear and a great video for someone doing this for a first time.

[@AdventureRig]

Peter Fassnacht Thanks for watching Peter.

[@lukeyna1]

Thanks!Getting ready to take apart this on a camper...Appreciate your time.

[@AdventureRig]

Nate Lukey Thanks for watching Nate!

[@carls1977]

Super informative video with lots of details and close up shots.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for the comment!

[@JohnSieber]

Awesome video! You got all the points that I needed and it was informative, effective, and easy to follow. Thank you!

[@AdventureRig]

John Sieber Thanks John appreciate you watching.

[@michaelallison2190]

Great video for those of us who are not that mechanical. This was a nice guide for someone like me who is not real confident trying to do something like this without some assistance.

[@AdventureRig]

Awesome glad you found it helpful.

[@dickhubbard5737]

Nice job Tyson! Really helpful in helping me understand what this packing a wheel bearing is all about. I just purchased a used pop-up camper and was concerned with what needed to happen. More than likely I won't be getting dirty, but at least I now understand the mechanics.

[@AdventureRig]

Dick Hubbard thanks for watching Dick and glad you found it helpful.

[@CastawayHikes]

I have never done this before but your video was well shot so that it is easy to see, and your instructions are simple and clear. Thank you sir, well done!

[@AdventureRig]

Thank you for watching!

[@monkeyman41333]

Absolutley a top notch video. Very well explained, for a layman and novice mechanic. I had a rough idea about how to change wheel bearings, but your explanation eased all my apprehension. Definitely will subscribe to your channel.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks Ray appreciate you watching.

[@ducsauce85]

Such an awesome tutorial! Thanks a lot for doing this. I'm going to inspect/repack my popup camper wheel bearings today.

[@AdventureRig]

Donnie Wright Thanks for watching Donnie!

[@ducsauce85]

@@AdventureRig no problem. Pulled off the hub from the axle and there is a grease zerk on the end of the axle. Guess I'll repack bearings and grease zerk as well. Hub was full of grease.

[@robertflores477]

Well explained...I’m ready to try it! Thanks for a great video!

[@AdventureRig]

Robert Flores Thanks for watching Robert!

[@tonymayer4372]

thanks for taking the time to do the vid. straight to the point. great job!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching Tony!

[@raccoons392]

Tyson, thanks for the video. Just about to travel with my 23 travel trailer and your video reminded me of the next steps.

[@AdventureRig]

Raccoons Thanks for watching Raccoons.

[@oscaraguayo4423]

Super clear instructions and he covers other possibilities and things to be aware about too. Very useful!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching Oscar.

[@dingo6767]

Very helpful. Great jobTyson. Loved the dog. Thank you guys

[@AdventureRig]

Jake Dimmock Thanks for watching Jake.

[@deanmeyer7564]

I wish every KZbin tutorial was as clean and concise as this!! Not counting the grease of course

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@TraconWizard]

Yes, I also appreciate no music distracting from content.

[@flavrdPnut]

Great vid for a DIY guy on my m101 trailer that needs some love. Also the bed head your sporting is strong!

[@AdventureRig]

Haha thanks for watching. It gets a lot worse in other videos...

[@bogdankotnis759]

Well put together, logical step by step info. I actually got it after the first time. Thanks Tyson.

[@AdventureRig]

You're welcome, thanks for watching Bogdan.

[@EricEikenberry]

I’ve watched several similar videos, this is the best.

[@AdventureRig]

Eric Eikenberry Thanks for watching Eric.

[@THX--nn5bu]

Thank you, this was the most straight forward set of instructions that I needed for my RV, you made this picture perfect and made it look more simplified, awesome tutorial.

[@AdventureRig]

Thank you very much, appreciate you watching THX.

[@scottwall4669]

THX 138 is the license plate on yellow duece coupe in American grafitti!!!

[@THX--nn5bu]

@@scottwall4669 I got this name from George Lucas's debut movie which was THX 1138 since I was a Star Wars Fan, 0381 was the last 4 digits of my long standing but now previous house PH#

[@scottwall4669]

@@THX--nn5bu That is so awesome!!!! Broke from THX 1138 he could not get funding for American Grafitti. He hid subtle messages in the movie. Low budget and bad weather, they filmed in 29 days in Petaluma Ca. Unemployed set carpenter Harrison Ford was asked to do still shots as the model did not fit the cowboy hat and they did not have another. This is how Harrison got his big break. He was paid 200.00 for building cabinets for the set, and it was increased to 450.00 if he would act the part of Bob Falfa. The actual plate for that car THX 138 is still on it in the Bay area.!!!

[@cdwoolard1792]

Great info and covers all parts of the process. You just saved me time and money!

[@AdventureRig]

Awesome thanks for watching!

[@cwmoser]

I found this very informative. The last time I packed bearings was in the late 1970s on my 1969 Oldsmobile 442. I needed this refresher and found it useful today as I cleaned and repacked the hubs on my 26 year old Utility Trailer ... first time since I purchased it. The wheels were turning smoothly but was thinking its something I put off too long. I did not note any damage on the hubs, races, or bearings.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching, glad you found it useful.

[@brucekoch3361]

Great presentation! Clear, well thought and thorough. As another comment already shared; thanks for no loud music. I'll be back.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching! Make sure to sub.

[@johnvanderlip]

Very well explained and all done with basic tools. Perfect.

[@AdventureRig]

John Vanderlip Thanks for watching John!

[@Dinkymod]

Really thorough while also brief. Thanks for the vid - it's helpful!

[@AdventureRig]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikenolan4871]

Great video! Very professionally presented.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching Mike.

[@larryconnally6361]

Great job in explaining all the steps. I think I can do it right now! Enjoyed the dog blip too!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching Larry!

[@gvjester]

Perfect video! Not too long but covers all the bases!! Awesome 👌

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching!

[@central3425]

Thanks for this video. I just bought my first travel trailer and I am looking on getting the trailer up on its maintenance.

[@AdventureRig]

Great enjoy!

[@atanacioluna292]

So clear, honest, and thorough. Thanks

[@AdventureRig]

Thank you for watching Atanacio.

[@stevecortes1467]

Thank you this video got me in the right direction I was able to change mine out it took me about an hour but I appreciate the the video that really helped

[@AdventureRig]

Glad to hear it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@joem8912]

fantastic video...beautifully explained and demonstrated....thank you!!!

[@AdventureRig]

You're welcome and thank you for watching.

[@jerryeads4084]

That’s as good as they get. REALLY nicely done. Thanks.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching Jerry!

[@pattrickAbels1970]

One of the best DIY video. Thanks.

[@AdventureRig]

Pattrick Abels Thanks for watching Pattrick!

[@BIGMOONMUSIC]

Informative and complete....all you need to know....thanks for an excellent presentation.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching!

[@megrier]

Excellent video! I learned some things I did not know! Appreciate your style of explanation. Thanks!

[@AdventureRig]

Greg Meir We appreciate you watching Greg!

[@hoylekiger2194]

Very good presentation. You spoke well, clearly, and slow enough to understand and follow. Thanks.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching.

[@leeobryan564]

Very helpful video, and very clearly explained - thank you. I'll be greasing my motorcycle hubs tomorrow, and feel well prepared now!

[@AdventureRig]

Awesome. Glad you found it helpful.

[@jasono9358]

Thank you, that has saved me a trip to the mechanics.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching Jason!

[@1955Critter]

Nice job, straight to the point. Very informative.

[@AdventureRig]

Thank you for watching.

[@manuelorellana3646]

Excellent video. Very helpful. Thanks for sharing this.

[@AdventureRig]

manuel orellana Thank you for watching Manuel.

[@stephensimpson6298]

Thanks Mate. That was very helpful I feel confident to go out and do mine.

[@AdventureRig]

Stephen Simpson Thanks for watching Stephen!

[@stevecastro22]

Very informative, thanks, Tyson.... I have always enjoyed doing things myself rather than paying someone else to do some of the simpler jobs.

[@AdventureRig]

Steve Castro Thanks for watching Steve!

[@barneyruble40]

Great video! Thanks for taking the time to do it.

[@AdventureRig]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@danh.3675]

Thanks for the great video. I found it to be very helpful and well thought out. Very good info.

[@AdventureRig]

You're welcome. Glad you found it helpful.

[@orestblahut4140]

Adventure Rig dRegina Sask. Canadano

[@AbortedEvolution]

Thanks, mate. Best one of these i've found.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching.

[@nawtn]

Thank you. Great job! I just happen to be doing 3 marching band trailers this weekend!

[@AdventureRig]

nawtn awesome thanks for watching

[@rogerbeck5704]

Best repack and explanation that i've seen....thank you

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevesmith-px2os]

Good video, I will now go and attempt this on my trailer, thank you for the detailed video 😎👍

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching Steve!

[@tommason941]

Excellent step by step video. Thanks

[@AdventureRig]

Tom Mason Glad it was helpful and thank you for watching.

[@davewomack2216]

Great job and easy to follow. Thanks for the info-well done.

[@AdventureRig]

I'm glad you found it helpful and thank you for watching.

[@Pkripper-67]

Super informative video. You did a great job explaining it to a chump like me. Thank you for making this.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching!

[@OnSceneCommander]

Jason, this was a big help. Thanks a lot.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching.

[@musicwithmr.yvellez3583]

Excellent. Thorough and concise. Thank you.

[@AdventureRig]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikebrenneman4755]

Well done video. I feel confident that I can now do it myself.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching Mike!

[@Eric-vg1gu]

Thanks! Used this tutorial to repack front hubs on an E-Ride Industries EV

[@AdventureRig]

Eric Giordano Thanks for watching Eric.

[@shannonharness5580]

Thanks for the instruction! I'm sure this will come in handy in the next couple days, and for the rest of the life of my trailer.

[@AdventureRig]

Your welcome! Glad you found it helpful.