Packing Bearings. When, Why, How?

[@applesbighatranch6906]

Outstanding. We appreciate your thought process, rather, your philosophy on axle bearing/brakes maintenance. You, sir, are a man to emulate. Cheers.

[@johntice9868]

I was taught how to pack bearings in High School shop class in the 70's. LOL Nothing has changed. Old School. Great video - thanks.

[@rp1645]

A big YES to you, my friend 😊❤😊 I too went to auto shop in the 1970s I watch the kids today in the auto shop skills center, and if they don't have those old school teachers. Today, it is hooking up a computer code checker. The young shop people today NEED to practice the manual ways in the classroom, just my humble opinion

[@jerrytalley802]

My Dad taught us to clean and repack bearings as a teenager. We had to do our own mechanical work, no snowflakes in our family, lol. The only difference is we didn’t have gloves, we cleaned the bearings in gasoline, used air to blow spin dry, and finally, we blew the dust everywhere and surely we didn’t have a mask. So thankful for educational videos like these.

[@paulrosa6762]

I was a mechanic in the 70’s and I learned more today on your videos than I did in 10 years.

[@mackellyman5642]

I can't believe how clean the shop is; it helps us all concentrate. The content is excellent, and thanks for all you do. You have the perfect presence to get the message across. Nothing easy about repacking bearings for the older folks.

[@Failure_Is_An_Option]

Us?

[@Mojo32]

😂

[@blythkd9017]

I just had a short conversation in the past week with a friend and we agreed trailer wheel bearings are the most neglected thing on earth, mechanically speaking. I've been a mechanic for 40 years and although even I don't clean and pack my wheel bearings annually, I do routinely feel my hubs for heat when hauling heavy and shake them any time I have them up in the air to see if the bearings are still properly adjusted. If they're developing any slack, it's time for a clean and repack. And on those hub caps, which I typically re-use if they're still in good shape and fit snugly, if they're a type that will dent easily, I install them with a rubber mallet. One of those hub cap drivers would be sweet. It helps to be properly equipped for sure. Thanks for the video!

[@dougbourdo2589]

Great video. A few years ago I moved cross country, roughly 1400 miles one way. I moved a LOT of our belongings myself in a utility trailer. Before each trip I pulled the trailer wheels, hubs, bearings, etc. Hubs, wheels, spindles, bearings all were cleaned, inspected for wear . After each round trip I installed new bearing sets. I did a dozen round trips and had zero problems. I figured it was a worthwhile investment in reliability and peace of mind.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

That's a big move! Better to be safe than sorry. Thanks for watching the video!

[@bubbaredneck75]

thanks for doing all these vids.youve helped me immensley as i rebuild my first heavy duty trailer from an old 5th wheel camper.ive saved SOOO much money on delivery fees now since i got this trailer going.keep up the awesome work sir.

[@mondavou9408]

I love the premise of the video! You explained everything clearly and concisely. Good camera work too. New sub.

[@sparkstyl]

Just purchased a used utility trailer for my first one and this video perfectly helped me out. Thanks for making great informational content.

[@PaulKrohn-ko2ho]

Gettin ready to service my 5er after 3k miles and coming up on 12 months. Great channel to remind us all how to geter done.

[@daviscrt]

Great information. A few hours a day, will save a lot of time down the road. Thanks Don

[@richardmulholland7261]

Excellent Video and explanation. Straightforward and to the point. I also agree that time spent in the shop doing the maintenance, avoids unplanned time spent on the side of the road, because you didn't. New Sub here, Thank you

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Glad it was helpful! Peace of mind is priceless! Thanks for watching.

[@unikornkontroller]

Best video on this subject I've ran across. Need to repack our camper's bearings this winter. Thanks!

[@straight_to_finish]

Call me lucky-2017 cargo trailer with tandem Lippert components, towed 7-8k miles annually and I just did some major service work. All leaf springs replaced, new brake assembly, and new drum/bearing assembly. The grease was black but axles were fine. I never did any annual maintenance 😊.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Nice job. I’m reviving a 1987 trailer. One of my viewers suggested your channel to me.

[@waltermonical2653]

Every time I watch one of your videos, I learn a new trick, RTV on the inner seal is a really good idea Thanks for another great video.

[@edstewartjr4530]

Great information, delivered n an easy to understand format. Thanks!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@TheBuddy1939]

“Texas aged cheese”. Great description. I always try and give it my best shot when doing it myself usually at a campground. Doing it in the shop environment would be the best. Thanks for the great explanation

[@johndias6614]

Thank you. New subscriber...i have an antique 7 foot utility trailer no brakes. As soon as i got it home i pulled the hubs. I took the parts to the local trailer parts store. The owner came out to see what i had. He's in his 70s. I was asking specifically about the seals. There were no neoprene seals. He held up one of the two fancy precision machined washers and said... don't lose these. These are the seals. You lose one of these and you'll have to buy a new axle. Needless to say, these bearings get hand packed every year.

[@davidgates1122]

I have found that the oil separates from the thickener in the tubes of grease used in grease guns. I have never had separation in tubs of grease. I have eliminated all of my bearing issues by not using the EZ-Lube feature.

[@dirtthunder1638]

Just a suggestion, I would have given the EZ lube grease zert a pump or two of grease before installing you're drum. The holes were the grease comes out catch dirt or brake dust when you take the drum off. Then if you use your EZ lube you pump it in to your bearings. Great videos. Great info.

[@shotgun3363]

Great Video! Thank You. Paint Thinner in a clear plastic bottle is my bearing cleaner. Holding the bearing in hand and shaking it around in the thinner a few time works well AND the thinner evaporates fast enough. I'm old and from Wisconsin; now I'll be thinking of cheese while repacking!! Thanx

[@dougnorton5143]

Grease packing tip: using the handi packer, put the outer bearing on top of the inner bearing in the packer. Put the cone on top and place the packer in a drill press without a bit. Pull down on the drill press lever pulling the chuck down onto the packer cone and it will push the grease thru both bearings effortlessly. A press works great too.

[@scottfirman]

My hand has ALWAYS been my handi-packer. I tried one of those and threw it out. What a pile of junk!

[@jeanfrancoislandry385]

Probably some of the best video I have seen. I’d like to provide some advices related to safety. You’re already doing very well. Open to ideas?

[@TheMrsattman]

How do you know which seals to order when doing service? How do you identify the type of axle you're working on?

[@johnfullenwider8175]

I spent many years as a heavy equipment mechanic I had mountain construction company for years. I’m not in my 80s but to put seals back in. I went to the porch house and went to the shelf for all the exhaust parts. Were they have ones that are swelled up at a certain size that fit the seal just perfectly you can see everything you’re doing and then I hit it with a rubber mallet or I hit it with a wooden mallet works very well. You can see what’s going On, and everybody else has a better idea where you can see it. God bless Papa John.

[@Kelly-s3w6g]

Thank you for this video. I really appreciate the information 😌

[@jamesdepaul3410]

Great vid. Was hoping you'd mention the type of bearing grease to use. My trailer bearings (2x3500lb axles) has Molly grease in them?!

[@zWhistler]

Thank You for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@markdixson7310]

Great Video. You might mention what type of grease to use.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thanks for watching! We did notice that I failed to mention that in this particular video. We did leave a link to the type of grease down in the description.

[@scuddrunner1]

Great video! Stupid question, what grease do you use? I have a PJ dump with 7,000 lb axles and I know I need to re grease the wheel bearings. Thanks!

[@Chris-ut6eq]

Question: if you tape off the brake area and central hub, can you paint the interior of the drum with rust resistant paint? The hope is next time, you are just wiping down the non-contact area and perhaps spot sanding/touch-up the painted area.

[@ArlanBergquist]

0:06 was told years ago, that grease between bears on spindle served no purpose “except “ to hold/trap heat that added to failure.

[@carl2591]

first thanks for the informative videos on trailer axles.. you re enforce many things i have learned over the years of working on my own stuff.. :) As for the repacking bearing every 12K miles or yearly I am in the not so sure camp.. Case in point.. In june of 22 i replace dexter torsion axles on 2005 airstream. The hubs, while worn from use were in good shape overall as were the bearing and races.. the PO had the bearing repacked every year when they got back from summer volenteer in Acadia NP coming from tampa florida. I repacked every two year as we were doing less then 1000 a year for the most part before replacing them... Now that we are full time Rv'er we do 10K a year and other then need to remove hubs to tighten backing plate while in alaska last summer they have not been touched and my hub temps are cool to the touch after couple hundred miles of running a 8500 lb trailer. If you use your trailer on the regular and use good quality synthetic grease, I do the hand method of packing and fill the cavity with extra grease they can go many miles with not a problem. I think it the sitting for long periods that do the damage especially if you use them in fall with humidity issues.

[@billmccollum3259]

I just came across your channel and am enjoying the videos. My father taught me the old school method of packing the bearings but one thing I seem to mess up frequently is getting the nut to the correct tightness. I saw you snugged it down twice then backed off, I think, 1/4 turn. Any other tips on getting this right?

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Once you get that nut set to where you think it should be, back it off to get a feel for how tight it should be. When set properly, it should be “around” finger tight. Make sure when you’re tightening the nut all the way down that you’re not over tightening. You basically just want to get it snug and now over wrench it. What nut set up are you running? Castle nut with cotter pin, castle tab, or jam nut retainer?

[@billmccollum3259]

I have 8 trailers including a boat trailer, CarMate 20’ enclosed, 12k dump trailer, 7k car trailer and 3 open equipment trailers. I’ve been sending them out for servicing but I’d like to start doing it myself. The tightness of the nut is my biggest concern. I’ve been messing up bearings since I was a kid lol

[@LuisOliva-ov9fv]

I just did this 1 week ago and I have done it multiple times over my lifetime. Recently read that you can over pack it and cause shurning which causes over heating. Does anyone have more information on how much grease is good without going over?

[@JT-lq4yd]

23:56 that is a sure way to be certain but, when you are on the side of the interstate or major highway... it's no longer fun. Especially when you are in the middle of nowhere. Great tips!

[@REL3712]

Pardon what might be a stupid question but here goes. Why not use rust remover like naval jelly on areas not contacted by brake shoes or bearing races rather sanding it?

[@eduardochay9967]

Thank you very much, for your time I'm from New jersey

[@waterlogged6775]

Thank you for doing these videos they are really appreciated., You took me past my comfort zone and now I completed the maintenance with your instructions. what brand or type of grease do you use? Thanks for your efforts.

[@BabaYaga214]

There's a link in the video description

[@jerrytalley802]

I appreciate these videos. I bought a camper in May 2023, probably only 1,000 to 1,500 miles total so far. We keep it under a building that is enclosed on the sides so not much weather issues. Just to prevent any road failure, should I still clean and repack them anyway? I’m guessing you always have to replace the seals as well especially since they are probably still cheap.

[@gunlover1955]

I think at 20:30 the grease on the axle is to heavy and could be pushed by the seal and bearing into the drum, just a lite coat of grease would be a better choice and just fill the hub I did it like this and grease was pushed into the brakes.

[@mercman2.5]

I am curious, when you placed a wad of grease on the spindle, did you not press that excess out of the back of the hub?

[@Mike44460]

@ 17:44, Many years ago, we had a service representative from Timkin in our shop to supervise the installation of high precision bearing. The only lube the bearing received was the grease used when installation took place. We were going to use the method you did and were instructed to only wipe grease on the rollers. Packing like you did and what we all thought was correct was wrong, according to the Timkin man. Too much grease creates heat because of the friction from so much of it. Two cup single cone tapered roller bearing around ten inches OD. Table bearing for a vertical boring mill with a twelve foot table. I still pack them like you do.

[@scottfirman]

I have always forced grease through the bearing race by hand. I have been packing bearings that way for 45 years and never had issues. Too much grease CAN force the rear seal out, especially on the grease zerk type easy lube seups. More is never better.

[@gphilpot1]

Thoughts on adding the rubber cups over the entire dust cap for added sealing measures?

[@josephneville5572]

YOUR VIDEOS ARE AWESOME..... I am working on my car trailer and you have been a wealth of knowledge!! Thank you so much for putting out such excellent content. I have a question!! I have a double axle car trailer. I am wondering when should a person put brakes on BOTH axles versus putting brakes on only ONE axle? If only ONE axle, which axle front or back?

[@MIGHTYX2010]

Good information in this video 👍

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thanks!

[@brianhamp702]

Great but was disappointed you didn’t use a used axle. I was interested in seeing how you determined if the bearings were in good or poor condition Thx

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Good point! We did a separate video to show that. You can click in the link if you would like to watch. Thanks for watching the channel! kzbin.info/www/bejne/imKQaXp4nM6gq7csi=Xy2DBtaCVCiCSU48

[@ThomasWalker-w5p]

Thanks, very good information !

[@DougAlesUSA]

1:32 I own a car hauler trailer. I’m sure glad I have it when I need it, however it sees under 100 miles per year, it’s stored indoors, out of the elements, not exposed to the sun, rain, snow, and temperature extremes. That last part, stored indoors, how do you feel that affects things?

[@clintstevenson1214]

Would love to know your opinion on "hub saver" washers. Good or worthless?

[@Drkhig]

Thank you!!! How do you know if the bearings need replaced?

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Stay tuned! That’s the topic of the next video. Great question!

[@mikep.6271]

What is the grease type you're using? Does it need to high temp? Great video!

[@erased-slate]

Is there an issue with catching grease on the rear seal from the spindle as you install the drum? Could that present issues with the brakes or catching dust?

[@joeg7755]

I thought the same thing when I seen that blob on axle before installing the hub. The extra grease would be pushed into the backing plate and eventually all over the lining. I don't get why the extra grease in hub and on axle? Does nothing and waste material. The grease packed into bearings is all you need or lets just say, it's all the bearing will ever use. Great series of videos though!

[@kevincameron8437]

You continue to give us great info. I'd like to see a video on the breakdown/weakening of grease...how grease looks/feels as time and wear/tear does on it. I have an RV and travel a few thousand miles a year, so how much does grease really break down over the 12 months with just a few thousand miles on it. Thanks again for the information.

[@marcomorissette7940]

Very good video and thanks!!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thank you for watching!

[@michaeldoherty2289]

Very nice video. Well done.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thank you very much! And thanks for watching!

[@michaeldoherty2289]

@@TheTrailerSmith Ita just nice to see a professional working systematically and thoroughly. It's a relatively easy job, but I appreciated your approach od using good techniques and wearing the proper PPE! Alos liked that you stressed keeping the bearings matched with their corresponding races and not mixing them up! So important!

[@edblakeley9152]

Good advice peace of mind 👍

[@codyhooser3333]

Great Video brother. Where is your Shop's Location?

[@cliffwendy3765]

Please explain what was grinding when you put the hub back on.

[@CaptK-py8rq]

Great video! I build trailers, great information, thank you!

[@GBV19]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@keithpayne8943]

You ard awesome. I lesrn so much from your videos. Thanks again. Keep them coming.

[@TraconWizard]

The bearings and races are mated. What about the spindle? I bought 2 new tires in May and I don't know if they went on the same spindle.

[@ChadBlankenship-u7k]

Which is the better axle? Carter Trailer Axle - 10,000 lb Electric Brake 8 Lug Axle. VS, the original brand that was on my big tex trailer "Dexter"

[@ewetuber186000]

Sanding cast iron brake drums really surprises me. Won’t every uncoated cast iron part rust? Where I live it can happen in a few days! After a bit of use, that rust will be gone. What am I missing ?

[@johnd.613]

Very wise man!👍🏾

[@shotgun3363]

You use a lot more grease than what comes from the factory OR what I have been applying. I just finished repacking AND NOW I may be using the EZ Lube fitting for a few extra pumps. Using the EZ Lube will be a first for me.

[@MikeMathys-mc1fy]

What are your thoughts on using anti-seize thread lube on wheel studs and lug nuts? I usually clean and brush the threads and apply a thin coat of anti-seize on them. Your thoughts?

[@scottfirman]

I would use it more on the hub to brake drum surface. Over time, the rust will seize the drum onto the hub. I have had to cut drums off the spindle because of this. I do not recommend using antiseize on the lug nuts, neather does the manufacturer.

[@curtismuller490]

Thanks for the advice.

[@tonynimmons111]

Good video. Keep them coming

[@bugkiller5293]

grease in the hub between the bearings? does it get hot and sling out? less pumping with the bearing buddy?

[@michaelsa892]

I should probably look at my enclosed trailer brakes and bearings it's 19 years old and I have never even had a drum off.

[@michaelconway4316]

I repacked the bearings on my rv, and before each trip I hit the EZ lube fitting with about 5 pumps of grease, after about the 3rd time doing this, when I arrived at the campsite, I had grease on my rim. Did this grease come out of the the dust cap, or out of the rear seal? Are my brakes compromised if this happened? Thanks

[@terryburns9555]

This question may have already been answered, but - Why did you put grease on the spindle before installing the hub? I can't see how that grease would ever get into the bearings.

[@oscaresquivel4740]

I run 10k miles every month 1/2 so what do recommend on repack time frame ?

[@kwslhs]

How much would this service cost for a tandem RV setup with 3k axles?

[@allredtrailerservice]

Love it! I just found your channel.

[@davidhoover3597]

I see that there is chlorinated and non-chlorinated brake cleaner available, which do you use?

[@TheTrailerSmith]

We try to use chlorinated when we can buy it. We are actually working on a video that explains the difference between the 2 and the appropriate times for using both. Great minds! 😉😉

[@Trey2025]

great video!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@geraldbarron850]

Do you always replace the grease seal when you hand pack the bearings?

[@scottfirman]

If you do it seasonally, you shouldn't have to. If you notice the seal is puckering, damaged or extremely rusted, replace it. Seals are not expensive.

[@Buszzbait69]

Great instructional video. Wish it came out a week sooner. I just did one side of my 5th wheel bearing repack. I didn’t put any grease inside the cavity as I saw on your video how you did add it in the cavity. Will I be ok to go as is or should slide the hub off and add the grease? Will definitely be putting it on the other side. Thank you for making these videos 👍.

[@davidgates1122]

I have found a spatula to be real handy to remove most of the grease from inside of the drum. It does, however, impart a slight petroleum taste to everything my wife bakes (just kidding, I have a spatula in my toolbox that I purchased specifically for this purpose).

[@CaptTPT]

I love your videos. I’m also a prefer not to worry about it type. But- I’m also a science guy. Just saying “that’s the way I do it” doesn’t cut it. There must be some science out there that can answer the question of what the appropriate interval is to repack wheel bearings. I just did this job on one of my trailers. Last time it was done was about 20 years ago. Bearings looked fine. Not saying 20 years is appropriate. Just asking what science is available on the subject?

[@TheTrailerSmith]

It's not necessarily just a "that's the way I do it". Repacking your bearings every 12,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever happens first is the industry standard for proper bearing maintenance. This has been the standard for some time and it comes from the manufacturers who design and engineer the bearings, hubs, and trailers, as well as from professional mechanics who work on them day in and day out. I'm sure you can find some literature or study or science or something on the subject if you dig hard enough. But industry engineers and professionals say so. As a professional mechanic, that's been my experience, as well. Ultimately, each person is free to make the choice that suits them best. We can only tell you what the best practice is. As I said in the video, if you use your trailer on a rare occasion, you can stretch that interval out.

[@rickbyfield2190]

Excellent video.

[@mkn6098]

At what temp should you use for max air pressure. At 70 degrees you my be at 80.psi but at 50 degrees it may be 72 psi.

[@rvscootin3457]

Yeah, sometimes I feel like I am aging in the Texas heat like fine cheese for years. LOL!

[@2015_Rubicnn]

Why not use a seal driver?

[@williammoore2417]

Thank you

[@keithpayne8943]

What is the black sealant called you use on the dust cap?

[@RB66_]

RTV

[@keithpayne8943]

@@RB66_ Thank you

[@jponyboyace]

Red grease is the hi heat ….this is the right grease for bearings?

[@georgehofgren6123]

Fantastic work, again... This guy and i would be fast friends 👍 ~

[@philiph554]

Great video, thanks

[@dougnorton5143]

I prefer to spin the hub while seating bearings, but that's just me. I prefer to adjust my bearings to zero lash or just barely loose. I also hate EZ Lube axles simply because folks tend to overdo it and blow out the seal ruining the brake shoes and magnets, not to mention the mess it makes in the hub.

[@scottfirman]

I agree 100% . I was told by a mechanic that the EZ lube system can blow the rear seal. It also doesn't sufficiently grease the rear bearing. unless it's on a boat, I do not recommend them on RV use. I never use them on a utility trailer eather.

[@quillantrombley593]

Great video

[@jordanrctm]

Most users would have a trailer outside. It is best to use a water hose to wet down and remove the dust. No brake clean needed.

[@dennissimmons5724]

If i put that much grease on the spindle, it would definately push some of it off as it slides on.

[@hildablanco1591]

You should say what brand of bearing and race that is

[@dougnorton5143]

Diesel mixed with gas works excellent, no smoking!

[@RB66_]

did anyone else think he put too much grease on the spindle before installing the hub? Isn't that going to push out the back side as you seat it?

[@charlesb4267]

Funny you should say that, that was the exact same take away from this video I had. The hub was already filled or partly filled with grease or so it appeared ( and should be ) but to put that much grease on the spindle is going to risk some of it to be pushed by the back bearing/seal and squish out into the backing plate area and then drop down onto the inside surface of the lower brake shoe, could some of that end up on the drum to brake shoe surface after braking causing the grease to heat up, most definitely. What I like to do is make sure the seal itself has grease on it but as well in between the seal lip and the back side of the inner bearing in that dead space so that there is grease right there at the seal to lubricate it as it begins a new life but not to allow grease to be pushed back into the brake housing. I know what he did was well intended but was a little shocked at that being done. Had he pulled the drum right back off we would have more than likely seen the results of grease pushed back where it shouldn't be. The same would happen if one pumped/forced grease from the outer bearing into the hub such as a bearing buddy or similar as it would push past that seal into the brake area. If this had been an axle that had no brakes ( like a lot of farm implements ) and in fact for years now a lot of farm implements with a basic spindle but no braking system has a grease fitting on the hub to fill the hub with grease and it pushes out excess grease from the seal and the grease isn't harming anything on a hub system like that.

[@bobyurkovich3297]

Yes to much over greased!

[@davidwarren330]

No he did not it was enough to fill the inside of the hub

[@charlesb4267]

@@davidwarren330 I suggest you watch it again and think about where that grease starting at the 20:23 time line will end up. While the seal itself has a larger inner diameter that it sits on to seal, the inner bearing sits on a shoulder that is just slightly larger in diameter than the main spindle diameter. Its going to be mostly that inner bearing that will push most of that grease to the inner area of the spindle where the seal rides and beyond and now that excess grease has no where to go but fall off onto the back side of the brake shoe. Conversely if lets say there was any excess grease inside the hub, it will just get pushed by the spindle to come out the outer bearing and is not a concern. I can guarantee there is grease to the back side of the spindle where it was not intended to be, had he pulled the hub/drum back off. Recreate what was done there sometime when repacking a wheel bearing and you will see what happens when a pile of grease is smeared onto the spindle.

[@4x4extreme]

No he did not.