How To Service Boat Trailer Bearings

It's important to service your boat trailer and make sure that your boat trailer bearings are packed with high quality waterproof grease. Your trailer's wheel hubs are always being submerged in water so it is important to do a little maintenance and make sure that they are full of fresh grease and not water!
It necessary to inspect the hubs/bearings from time to time in order to make sure that they are properly lubricated. You do not want your bearings to seize up on you while you are driving down the road!
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[@rhalferty]

Finally a fully comprehensive video showing from start to finish. Thank you, about to undertake this myself.

[@MattsShop]

Anytime!

[@robertbennett6418]

A messy job for sure but necessary. I'm doing mine today so I'm all schooled up. Thanks. Great job! Got it done! Hardest job was getting the cotter pins out. You were correct about everything ... Especially about the paper towels ... Used the entire roll.

[@briansyzdek365]

Thanks for the video Matt. I'm refreshing my boat and trailer after sitting for three-plus years (post Hurricane Harvey). It's been in storage so I'm going to replace tires, check bearings to get it at least roadworthy to my mechanic. I learned a lot from your video and it's a lot like doing a disc brake job. I also like the old-school bearing packing method. Glad you showed what worn-out grease looks like or I might not have thought it looked too bad. Thanks again and hopefully I'll see you all on the water this coming spring!!

[@kristopferweiner8897]

Thanks for the video. I just got a used trailer and watched several videos that show bits and pieces of the process. I really appreciate seeing it start to finish!

[@danjones6872]

The technique to grease the shaft was flawless.

[@MattsShop]

Lol not sure what to make of this comment.

[@xNo-DicE]

Bet it was LMAO!

[@shawnlewis1918]

Really nice technique on forcing the grease through the bearings from your hand!

[@MattsShop]

Yup, this is the cheapest, quickest, best way to repack bearings!

[@pastordanflynn]

This is a great video. Matt goes step by step so even I, a non mechanic, understands how to do the bearings.

[@MattsShop]

Thanks 👍

[@Everydayfishing]

Thanks for sharing how you did this - definitely helpful. One thing to keep in mind - jacking up the trailer from the axel or even below the leaf springs can cause your axel to bend. Obviously that would be a bad thing! I'd recommend jacking up on the frame near the wheel you're working on. Keep up the good work!

[@chrisfuoco5474]

Good catch. Such an easy thing to overlook

[@SilverSlothHikes]

Dude. I just did mine. Had your video rolling the whole time. Thanks again

[@MattsShop]

Thanks man, that's awesome. Glad it was helpful.

[@jackpeck9831]

You can tell the grease was contaminated with water so you definitely needed to repack the inner bearing and replace the seal as well. Any thing less and you will find yourself going down the road with one wheel instead of two. Just giving some good advise from a long time mechanic that’s been there and done that!

[@Dmonieluv]

Thanks for posting this, very helpful for us newbies.

[@MattsShop]

Glad I helped!

[@wendaworkman8065]

Thank you. I have a trailer in the yard that I know needs attention. I'll just start your video over! Best one yet!

[@MattsShop]

Thanks, some guy said he was watching this while he was working on his trailer lol.

[@keithscott4939]

Thank's for the video! I got a boat and was greasing the trailer and I was wondering why the center was pushing out! Now I know it's suppose to!

[@MattsShop]

Yea, it's supposed to!

[@ronfaulk6149]

Great job, Matt! Very helpful.

[@Cosmic.Origin.exe.]

You are now my bearing buddy. Ty sir

[@moeshickenyay]

Great boat bearing maintenance video, Thanks.

[@artagoogleuser203]

Not bad for a shade tree. I enjoyed the simplicity, Good Job

[@jamesreynolds8245]

Excellent. I was afraid to do it because I might damage the bearing buddy. Now I know how. Thanks.

[@MattsShop]

You're welcome. Yea, you're not going to hurt them.

[@mrk8220]

A couple criticisms: 1) That rear bearing should have come out, the seal is easily replaced and is inexpensive. Many times, you can take the outer bearing out, re-install the washer and castle nut and then give it a hard yank and the inner bearing and seal will come out. 2) That may have been too tight, much better to have it a little loose than tight. Tightness can create heat, which adds expansion and more heat, ultimately leading to an early failure. Otherwise, great video!

[@MattsShop]

You are right. I should have taken the inner bearing out. I was in a hurry and I just wanted to freshen it up a bit with some fresh grease. I replaced that inner bearing not long before this video so I didn't bother.

[@peterquint657]

cleaning a shop back so it doesn't blow dust

[@chrisfishdawg]

Great video , right in the middle of changing my bearings and cleaning the wheels up! 🤘🏽🎣

[@MattsShop]

NICE!

[@theintrovertedcalifornian5047]

Excellent video thanks for tsking your time and explaining how to do it right

[@MattsShop]

Anytime!

[@paulob5153]

Thanks for the tutorial I was going to do my utility trailer and this was very helpful

[@MattsShop]

On a utility trailer it's easy no problem!

[@4WorldPeace2]

I like using Lucas Red N tacky for my road trailers and Lucas Marine Grease for my boat trailers.

[@jimv1484]

Have watched your other videos as well.....your good dude.......thanks!

[@MattsShop]

Thanks man!

[@FaithisKey792]

Great job Matt. God bless.

[@DaleMooreCRNA]

Great, well done instructional video!

[@cruepprich]

Thanks for posting. Very helpful.

[@MattsShop]

No problem!

[@blk-eyesatpopeyes-4386]

dude u sound kinda like nate diaz,, great vid my friend, this will help me out, 1st trailer and i built it up from garbage, new wood, carpet wiring works, now the bearings.. I will be posting vids of a 9ft aluminum jet boat rock buster.1498cc. no outboard motor,, this thing is floating down a few inches of water.. if you wanna see an older style of this boat, you can punch in mini jet boat yamaha 700 kit testing.. mine is a later model, with twice the cc's

[@kevinmurphy5878]

I was looking for this comment. Turned on the video and thought damn this guy sounds like Nate Diaz

[@SteveH-pc1zs]

Thanks man. Great refresher

[@donrock9776]

Thanks for the tutorial!

[@MattsShop]

Thanks for the thanks HA!

[@paulthompson1654]

hi that lucas grease is Lithium complex good stuff . Use full synthetic with PTFE is the only one that has temperature and higher water resistance .

[@azekman8736]

Great Video. Thanks for posting.

[@MattsShop]

Thanks for watching!

[@rickyarbrough7230]

Thanks your video made my day a lot easier!

[@MattsShop]

Glad I could help!

[@garretth9496]

Good information! Appreciate the video

[@leocadena6844]

Very nice! THANK YOU!

[@Imwright720]

Thanks for using an actual trailer that needs maintenance .

[@MattsShop]

Of course

[@garyd6174]

Really great video. Thanks.

[@MattsShop]

Glad it helped!

[@billcourliss9068]

GREAT video...........just what I needed to see!!!

[@MattsShop]

THANKS!

[@bobtreloar3106]

Very good video!

[@davidlogan7216]

Matt! Thanks for this.

[@MattsShop]

You're welcome!

[@carternguyen7727]

Tkx very helpful

[@zacharyp5797]

Thank you for this video

[@MattsShop]

You're welcome.

[@kh2140]

Thanks for the info. Now I can do my boat trailer. What torque for the bearing nut?

[@jorgeizamora776]

thank you

[@AJ-rc4ln]

Australian's steal the bearing buddies in the trailer parking lot!

[@cwinegarden6426]

Thanks very much.

[@MattsShop]

You bet!

[@joshandthejam7806]

Super helpful video. Appreciate ya. New sub.

[@MattsShop]

Super helpful comment!

[@oldnick9232]

Nothing like the confidence of a set of inspected, repacked, and adjusted wheel bearings, just like new tires and valve stems. We make our own good luck.

[@tedh9980]

Thank you

[@MattsShop]

Anytime

[@Jaredbar]

nice video dude

[@MattsShop]

Thanks.

[@fallingjeff]

Be sure to wear safety glasses when you grease the shaft or you’ll go blind.

[@elijahmohamed1886]

you probably dont care but if you're bored like me atm you can watch all the new movies on Instaflixxer. Been watching with my brother for the last few months =)

[@parkerabraham7272]

@Elijah Mohamed Yup, I have been watching on Instaflixxer for years myself :)

[@christopherrobbins7754]

When reinserting the cotter pin I grip it at the head w needle nose pliers and it the pliers with a hammer. Helps.

[@christopherrobbins7754]

And thanks for the video. Always nice to see what amd why others do what they do to make me feel better about what I try to do.

[@charlesquant1907]

Very helpful

[@MattsShop]

+Charles Quant Thanks!

[@Dmonieluv]

Is it best to use the maine white grease or the red type you were using?

[@MattsShop]

Just make sure it sayswaterproof grease for boat trailers. I put links in the description for some.

[@bigblue8986]

Do they sell the outside cap by itself?Mine has popped off and can't find it

[@waterworld3020]

maybe not exactly quarter of a turn but another half of an inch back for hub to freely turn

[@ELVISRN1]

better slightly loose than tight.

[@johnsherman1690]

Thanks.

[@MattsShop]

Welcome!

[@jackvantol9906]

Found out what I needed, however I would recommend cleaning it on a table instead of on the ground.

[@MattsShop]

I rather get grease all over the ground.

[@chamberizer]

I am never real sure how tight to put nut for preload, but when the bearing gets hot driving down the road it will expand & get tighter. I think a little loose is better than too tight? I have a couple complete hub assemblies, so I can switch out if I break down on the road.

[@MattsShop]

You are right. You can check how tight the nut is later if you want. Too tight and it will over-heat and wear out the bearings prematurely. Too loose and the hub will be sloppy.

[@factionfx]

At autozone they have an $8 bearing packer that hooks up to grease gun. Forces grease into the bearing, well worth it.

[@MattsShop]

I have one! It's a pain to clean though!

[@billybobsowbreath1774]

You don't have to remove your Bearing Buddy... take them apart. That's what I do on my boat trailer. A couple of retaining rings and a spring and the buddies pop right apart. You can easily get to the spindle nut and remove it.

[@aaronabney8924]

You greased that shaft like a champ tho you have enough practice?

[@danielpadgett2831]

You said put the trailer on jack stands but I see the trailer on a floor jack was just wondering

[@MattsShop]

I do both. Jack is backup

[@StartVisit]

going to replace whole failed hub wish me luck 😮

[@MattsShop]

Good luck!

[@1planters]

Good effort bud and personally i don't care if your hands get dirty. My boat is always in a slip so I only have to get the boat into the water and life is good. This year i will be trailering so i going to repack or replace the bearings. How much money can i expect to spend if I just buy new ones and fresh seals and call it done?

[@MattsShop]

Thanks, if you look in the description I posted links to new bearings, seals, and bearing buddies. They should give you an idea of the price. It depends on the size of your axle shafts at the hubs though.

[@MarioD9988]

Thanks for this! Just purchased my first boat and trailer, how often should I look into doing this maintenance?

[@MattsShop]

I check it every season. Some people keep a grease gun in the tow vehicle and grease it before and after they put the trailer in the water. It's up to you how crazy you want to get with it.

[@stephendriver1]

I grease my hub bearings everytime I pull the boat out of the water just part of my normal routine when I'm strapping it down it ensures that no water stays in the hub bearings if some was to get in

[@s.d.1091]

how often is this supposed to be done? my trailer is barely used b/c my Jetski is at a marina. I thought I only had to use the grease gun to put grease in the buddies (and the old grease comes out)... I'm supposed to be taking this whole thing apart?! whoopsie

[@jamesmitchell780]

Good video man, F all the haters

[@MattsShop]

Thx bro

[@530eman]

How do you size your bearing buddies...? Thank you

[@MattsShop]

I measure the inside of the axle hub where the bearing buddy pops in with digital calipers. Then I buy whatever size it says. You can use a tape measure too.

[@swank1975]

If you are not going to plan ahead and spend a few cents on a new cotter pin just straighten yours before trying to hammer it back through the nut. Good video though. Thanks for posting.

[@RodrinBird]

I’m new to boating and was thinking, what if you bring 2 gallons of water to rinse the tires/bearings to get rid of the salt water after launching the boat? Great video btw!

[@MattsShop]

The bearing buddy puts pressure on the hub so salt water can't get in. It's better to pump it up with a grease gun before you put it in the water then to try and wash it off.

[@sicklecell9999]

usually everyone does that at home and hoses off the entire boat, trailer, wheels, etc..and then flushes the engine too (if you boat in salt water)

[@BradM766]

Is the zerk fitting replaceable? Somehow I snapped mine off.

[@MattsShop]

Yea, it should be removable. You are going to have fun getting it out though. I'd try a reverse drill bit.

[@alastair_the_lyon]

I have marine grease that green will that work?? I just bought it

[@MattsShop]

Yea

[@peterpiper_203]

Great job on the video Just some constructive criticism You had the hub off you were dirty anyway personally I just did the same thing only had to replace all the bearings Just sayin' could've repacked the rear bearings Speaking from experience

[@MattsShop]

Thanks! Constructive criticism is always welcome on this channel. Yea, you are right I should have. I was kind of in a hurry. No sense in getting dirty twice.

[@harrymaiolo6719]

use diagonals to get the cotter pin out. it's much easier

[@MattsShop]

True

[@cynthiadaw131]

Thats good stuff!! But a lot of whinning going on there. What do you expect?

[@MattsShop]

I ain't a whiner.

[@jpegjake]

oh it is, so, worth it...

[@MattsShop]

Hey Yall! Check the links in the description for GREASE, BEARING KITS, AND MORE! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@christopherherring6975]

Is all that necessary when you have a grease gun? Why not pump new grease in until old grease comes out and stop when fresh grease emerges?

[@MattsShop]

Yes, you have to have it. The bearing buddy keeps a couple PSI of pressure in the hub to keep water out. Got to pump it up to pressure.

[@mikezimmerman2786]

always use new cotter pins

[@MattsShop]

Yea! You caught me.

[@ronalddouglas7834]

How is it in that state when it has been protected by the "Bearing Buddy" who's job it is prevent this.

[@tommydowning4463]

ahaha no dirty comments! Dude gloves!

[@Trigger_32]

First off, the bearing buddy was dry... its worthless unless you keep it charged with grease. Secondly, theres grease flung all over the trailer... clearly needs a new seal which means it needs new bearings, not just a repack. & I love all the dirt & rust on your hands that you were packing right back into the bearing. Good luck.

[@MattsShop]

Lol the seals were definitely good. I never pressure wash the wheels or the axle area so it never comes off. You are right about it needing grease though. It can be hard to remember to pump them up when you are dying to get on the water. Thanks! That's the only way to get the job done. Dirty and greasy.

[@jeffsapp5258]

Don't be an ass-hole Michael!

[@Trigger_32]

Jeff Sapp takes one to know one!🤪

[@jdhappy7663]

if you're servicing the bearings, pull all out and repack them. the seals are cheap and then you don't have to worry

[@robmccauley1073]

should always replace the Cotter pin.

[@MattsShop]

Yea, it's a good idea. They get bent up and weak.

[@vtecbanger3180]

Mine says 95ftlbs on lugs

[@elysian95]

Castle nuts should only be finger tight after seating.

[@BenandUTube2012]

With that much water in the grease you do need new rear seals !! How do you think water got in the bearings ??

[@MattsShop]

Lol the seals are not going to keep water out. They never do. I'd be more worried about dirt/debris.

[@sirsteven2945]

B Airborn EXACTLY! Why go to all the trouble with doing this and only pack one set of bearings? Pop out the seal, most likely you will damage it but so what, buy new seals and while you are at it buy a new cotter pin. Being penny wise and pound foolish will get you buying a new set of bearings real soon. If the grease is full of water in the outer bearing so is the inside bearing.

[@sirsteven2945]

Matt's Shop where is your shop? I want to be sure and never go there...

[@19211926]

If that hasn't been used much since the last time something is wrong. I service my salt water trailer ever 3 yrs and they don't look like that at all.

[@MattsShop]

Yours looks better or worse?

[@jackvantol9906]

Well, when the wheel passes him on the highway.....

[@ordonezo1]

you can count the threads before removing the castle nut

[@brucemacduffee776]

In my opinion, it's an absolute waste of time to do all this without pulling the inner bearing and cleaning it. Also, please do not use gas to clean the bearings. Use paint thinner or solvent.

[@MattsShop]

Just take the hub off and pound the back bearing/seal off. You can reuse the seal. I was in a hurry so I didn't do it. I reccomend it and normally would have done it lol.

[@GusgusA1]

so bearing buddies do nothing for the inner bearing??

[@MattsShop]

They're supposed to if you can keep them pumped up with grease.

[@kennethm.380]

Oo;s, don't let the bearing fall out. LMAO.

[@wooddawg4868]

Dude you haven’t serviced that axle in a while.

[@MattsShop]

Yeaa, I know...

[@waterworld3020]

nut is too tight! you got to back off on nut about quarter of a turn more..there should be a little play with tire on...

[@MattsShop]

I respectfully disagree. The whole idea is to pre-load the bearings so that there is no "slop".

[@dbrau5701]

@@MattsShop so which is right? just did mine, and seemed to loose backed off, and too tight at the next hole for the cotter pin.. i hear from each side, loose is better with some play, tight will make em overheat.. then i hear what you said.. so how do i know which way to go?? and of course im leaving to pull the boat 1000 miles this week! thanks

[@sirsteven2945]

Waterworld I’d love to know your source of information on that. There were many things this young man didn’t do right in this video but the tightness of the nut he was right on.

[@MattsShop]

Wtf? There were many things in the video this young man didn't do right? Lol they are trailer bearings. You cannot screw it up. To say I can't change a trailer bearing is an insult to my intelligence. List what I did wrong.

[@blk-eyesatpopeyes-4386]

u grease that shaft like you've done it 1000 times

[@MattsShop]

You taught me best.

[@blk-eyesatpopeyes-4386]

@@MattsShop LOLOLOL u know im kidding with you.. hey bro im taking out my prop and fixing it on a boat i and some friends made. check out this vid, i haven't made one yet and mines is a tiny bit diff, and im running 1498cc kawasaki 15F.. look up aluminum mini jet boat yamaha 700. should say kit set testing. i fixed up a broke down trailer too, thats where i found ur vids. i noticed some squeaking on one of my wheels even w greased good, it means i gotta replace it huh?

[@MattsShop]

Sounds awesome! Yea, if the wheels are still squeaking you should probably replace the bearings lol.

[@hpascual4550]

what about the inner bearing?.... ooh wait, you didnt purchase a new bearing seal

[@MattsShop]

You can pop the seal out and reuse it if you're careful. Just repack them both this way.

[@netflooder263]

That outer bearing looked way too nasty to ignore servicing the inner.

[@MattsShop]

I was ready to go to the lake I guess lol

[@karlgawlik9935]

Bearing buddies do nothing for the inner bearing. Basically useless.

[@johncasor9698]

use rubber gloves when greasing bearing...

[@MattsShop]

Real men don't wear gloves!

[@Oldtech51]

ONG, that was difficult to watch. Butchered the bearing pack and then used a torque wrench.