Replace: Electric Trailer Brakes - Part 2

In this video come along as I replace these electric brakes on this camper travel trailer and repack the wheel bearings.
Remember to follow your shop manual for the proper procedure.
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not South Main Auto Repair.

[@donwilliams3352]

I'm 68 years old and have been doing wheel bearings since I was 7 and you do it exactly like I was taught by my Dad to do it. GOOD JOB!

[@robertheinkel6225]

I learned the same way, big wad of grease in my palm, and lots of scraping. but I don’t remember who taught me. Probably by my first boss.

[@VikingDudee]

I've always got a wade of grease and just keep slapping the back of bearing in grease, and turn it as I'm doing it, Not sure how I learned it, I do have a habit of just sticking a glob of grease into the hub itself, even though you really don't have to, I just feel more grease can't hurt, never had a problem. I was also always taught to replace races, I use to work with a guy who kept telling me I don't have to change the race, but I mean it takes 5 min to to get the old one out an press the new one in.

[@richbutinski1367]

Here here... exactly how I was taught...

[@JamesSmith-xs7sr]

I like to pre load them with 105 ft lbs torque. Seems to work.

[@erickieffer8440]

@@JamesSmith-xs7sr At least tapered roller bearings should never have a preload, always adjust them so there’s some amount of endplay, say 0.001” maybe a little more depending on how warm or loaded they run.

[@warddc]

Keeping this video alive! Just watched this 8 years later. Good idea replacing the entire backing assembly.

[@bigospig]

Your rant about travel trailer quality (lack of) was SPOT ON in every regard!

[@gregfromdownunder6879]

Just watched this 5 years after it was posted, many thanks Eric for taking the extra time to film your videos. It is much appreciated by me and many, many others. Thanks again and please keep up the good work!

[@ronaldwolf1832]

I LOVED the lawnmower story! There isn't a one of us who has ever worked on cars as a hobby or a professional who has never used gasoline as a parts cleaner (and swallowed some while siphoning). I had an old 48 Plymouth I drove in the woods as a 12 year old, and then a broken down 48 Cushman motor scooter I drove (on the country back roads) to my buddy's house when I got older, long before I got my learners permit. It's a wonder any of us are still alive, eh?

[@SouthMainAuto]

Ronald Wolf Oh my gosh I could go on for hours like I imagine you could also about fond childhood memories and the internal combustion engine haha. You made me smile sir!

[@milesghoover712]

Replace : Electric Trailer Brakes - Part 1 and Part 2 are without a doubt the two best "how does it work / how to fix it" videos I have ever seen. You have a real ability to explain. Keep up the good work!

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Buddy Hoover Thanks Buddy glad you liked them :)

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Hey Eric , thanks for staying overtime for our benefit.. Really appreciate and enjoy your videos..

[@SouthMainAuto]

***** Hey .. it's gotta get done :)

[@ronfreeman6023]

First time viewer. Methods and your commentary were great thanks for your presentation.

[@keithscott4914]

6 years later this video is still relevant and helping people all over save some money. Thanks Eric! Missed the b” brake cleaner intro” though. 😃

[@anthonysdad77]

I only wish I had a teacher as good as you in school. You are so damn great at keeping people interested and attention the way you teach I will definitely be watching any of your other video’s of jobs that I’m trying to do. Please keep up the great work

[@CrazyPetez]

That’s a great story about your hot rod mower👍😀 About 40+ years ago I had a Miley 2 horse trailer. I don’t remember if it had brakes on one or both axles. What I do remember I was always adjusting the bearings so there was no free play, that is there was no play in the bearings. Probably wasn’t adjust them correctly. As always I enjoy your videos, Eric.

[@emittmalone6075]

You're a hoot...funny, and a damn fine teacher. Excellent work.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Emitt Malone lol thanks Emitt glad you enjoyed it :)

[@lexustech48]

2024 here. Longtime subscriber and Im delving into the world of trailer brakes on my own camper. Eric is 100% right. These things are shoddily built, with the cheapest shortcut methods available. The tow vehicles are 90% of the time light years more advanced and safer than these dinosaurs of 50's technology. Butt connect, heat shrink and know the circuit is properly connected. Honestly, soldering is a little too much as these are meant to be a consumable part. but you must properly protect the crimp.

[@nateschmitz3863]

This video was awesome! I just picked up a travel trailer cheap because it needs work, and one of the things it needs is brakes. I had no idea how to do the brakes, but I m confident I can do it now that I watched this video. Thank you!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Glad it helped :)

[@oOoOKylinaOoOo]

Same. Thinking I can do it now to a RV we are thinking about buying. :)

[@jimbos1567]

I had no idea how electric brakes work Thank you.

[@charlesmiller5078]

One of your best videos so far, Love the story about the mower, I to was a motor head from very early age. Our next door neighbor was a County Sheriff and he taught me how to repair old mowers. My tools were a Adjustable, a box wrench with 1/2 on one side and 9/16 on the other, a pair of pliers, a screw driver, and I believe a hammer. 55 years later I still have the boxed end wrench. Thinking I will get it chromed put it on a chain and wear it around my neck, a lot of memories in that little wrench....

[@SouthMainAuto]

Charles Miller Dude that is so cool, I still have a socket set I bought when I was 14... I was gonna conquer the world lol

[@headmaster5031]

I usually need to watch a dozen videos before i feel i have a grasp of whats needed to do a job properly. You do one stop videos, everything needed to know in one source. Thank you.

[@samuelcollie2050]

Just saw this. I have a 24 foot travel trailer about time for brakes, etc. Never knew how the electric brakes worked until now!

[@nestortreeface2905]

You are bang on with calling those hateful connectors 'Scotch blocks; They are made by 3M and the packaging has a tartan stripe on it and their products usually have 'Scotch' included in their moniker such as 'Scotch tape' Fantastic job Mr O. I've learned about electric brakes today. Ty buddy. :D

[@rjh2459]

Thank you Eric. I always wondered how those brakes worked.

[@pepperwatson7784]

Love your story’s being a retired master mechanic we all had our homemade go carts and mini bikes and just a bicycle with a chainsaw motor on it

[@j.decker7443]

The reason I was taught to put a thin coat of grease on all the inside surfaces was because if there were to get any water or condensation inside the bearing area there would be less exposed iron to rust. Doesn't do anything for bearing lubrication just protects the surface from oxidizing.

[@josepeixoto3384]

very important!

[@mdorf61]

Mr O, when I was in Highschool long ago, 70s our school had automotive class and you would be an awesome teacher. You may not agree. But you like to teach. We can all tell and we are all benefitting. Thanks for all you do. You deserve a BEER 🍺!!!

[@nnperformance76]

Awesome. Thank you even though this is a few years old. It still is relevant.

[@brianjohnson1672]

Loved your presentation, need to replace horse trailer brakes. Will follow your lead… did same back in 60’s Toro mower with horizontal drive shaft and squeeze clutch. Belt to chain drive. Welded up our first mini bike frame with mower wheels 😂 It worked, ran it all over in the woods. Great learning experience! Video here, good job, loved your story. Thanx, Brian in Minnesota

[@dronesandstuff61]

Catching up on some oldies...absolutely fantastic video!!

[@stevensmith4179]

Learned a lot. Enjoyed the practice humor and your humility. I was amazed to find a mechanic who didn’t constantly use foul language.

[@anhnambinhtrungtay7330]

Wish I have a part washer in my garage. But like you said plenty of brake cleaner sprays. Great job, man!

[@warusweims]

Standard specification for grease in just about any housing is to fill 30% of the unused volume of the housing, plus packing the bearing 100%. There are some applications where it is desirable if fill 100% of the unused housing volume, such as wet end paper machine press roller housings. The point of filling the housing 100% is so water cannot get in the housing and corrode the bearing. Bearings in these applications typically run slower with high torque gearboxes mated to them so the bearings won't burn up due to excessive churning and excessive heat. Water won't get in if there is no space to allow it to. Anything that operates with any sort of high speed, like a trailer axle or vehicle spindle, you do not want to have excessive grease in the housing. This leads to excessive churning, which leads to heat build up and that leads to failure. You're doing it right Eric! Keep up the great work and awesome videos. Also, the standard for axial clearance is .002" on most dual cone bearing setups, unless the manufacturer of the equipment specifies otherwise.

[@TylerBoespflug]

I can't tell you how many hubs I've packed and brake assemblies I've changed. Like you, I grew up in the trailer shop packing bearings. This video is a well done overview of trailer hubs and electric brakes. Great advice with recommending a complete brake assembly, especially if you are being paid to do it. By the time you put the work in and charge for it the customer pays the same amount and half of the assembly is old and crusty. Might as well go all new. I hate Scotch Locks, especially when exposed to the elements. They are only good for tail-light warranties and temporary emergency repairs. I keep the bearings with the hub they came out of and you always replace the race with the bearing. I always put an extra dollop of grease in. No second guessing myself then. I get a kick out of the guys with EZ-Lube hubs that try to fit a whole tube of grease in the hub and wonder why the seal fails.

[@2tall4u74]

I Truly enjoyed your video Eirc.When you just tighten the nut and backed it off and stuck the cotter pin in.I just did them yesterday the same way.I ordered the easy grease it bearing greaser too.I think that’s what makes the video your story telling and your expertise and showing and explaining what your doing.Thank’s Frank

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Thanks for the video! I'm about ready to check the brakes on my 2014 RV trailer. About packing the grease, on cars I pretty much do what you do. On my boat, I do use marine grease and pack the crap out of it to keep the water out. It will bleed the grease when it gets hot, but at least I know the inside should be free of water, I hope. As far as the quality of workmanship on the "new" trailer, yup, I had to fix, tighten, modify a bunch of stuff just so the trailer would function as it should.

[@johnbellas490]

Hello Eric!! You were remembering you younger days with the mowers and Briggs engines, and it made me remember when i built a three wheel Go Cart made from an 8hp Briggs and a Ford Falcon rear end/axle with the original wheels and tires. I cobbled up a frame out of 2 heavy angle irons, cobbled up a a front wheel steering system operated by bicycle handle bar and motorcycle throttle assembly. The drive system was a centrifical clutch assembly with a belt pulley on the end driving a bigger belt pulley attached to the pinion drive yoke assembly with screws. The brakes was the system already on the axle, I just added a master cylinder old style single circuit type with a pedal on it with the appropriate tubing and I had me a go cart that would do about 20 mph !!! Fun Days indeed!!

[@Drew99GT]

Great vid as always Eric. You really are a master at your craft, and you're hilarious to boot. Keep the vids coming! Cheers.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Thanks Drew *****

[@HP-hm3pn]

Ok that lawn mower story is THE BEST!

[@weilkid]

Great video, thanks for the how-to in replacing the complete assembly!

[@diagnosticsdoneright]

Thanks. Just got a job on a haulmark trailer and wasn’t sure how to go about it. Was browsing around for a video because Alldata wasn’t much help. This will be easier for me and cheaper for the customer than replacing shoes and hardware. This helped immensely, thanks again. Love all your videos.

[@billrimmer5596]

Really appreciate how u handle the safety instructions. On my lawnmower I also used the pipe. Left it single exhaust. With the blade off it would really rev quick. The flame coming out. Loved it. The fast forwarding was really cool. Rather watch this any day than junk on TV. Maybe I already said that in another comment. U express what we feel!!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Bill Rimmer Hey Bill reminds me more of my mower days haha flame throwing mowers lol

[@caroljohnson8817]

THANK YOU FOR A COMPLETE EXPLANATION, NO BS! I’m doing my first and probably last brake job, but there are pitfalls, like rusty frozen nuts, or I’ve had to sawzall one nut off. And two nuts can be reached by my impact, and the other two can only be reached by a hand tool. More ingenuity to use strength I’ve lost, since I’m 74 lady. But I’m checking the boxes Twice. The adjustment part gave me some relief of anxiety so I can do that part with no problem, famous last words…………😅. Anyway, I’ve downloaded this so IF I had to get back in there I can reference and revive my memory. The brakes I’m replacing are 20+ year old Dexters, and boy can you see the difference of craftsmanship to now. But they should give me 2-4 good years of service til I upgrade and sell her, and take her off the road. &Byway, THANKS AGAIN!!!!!! Carol Johnson

[@SteveRobReviews]

Awesome I never dabbled into electric brakes before so I'm one of the many that did not know about theses brakes. I made a utility trailer years ago and noticed the 4 hole plate on the axle , I'm going to put them brakes on since I have a controller on my truck. The production of automobiles in North America are so heavily regulated towards safety it just amazes me trailers are not. You will never see a scotch block connector on a vehicle from the factory. You mentioned the butt connectors were pricey , not sure what your paying but I get the same ones your using for $13 , free shipping for 100 off fleabay . BTW an electric heat gun or a cordless heat gun is my choice , I find the torch too easy to overheat and damage the connector. You don't seem to have that problem on film :)

[@SouthMainAuto]

Steve Rob You got a link to the ones you use Steve? The ones at Napa are pretty pricey... you like the ones you get? I am still waiting for SATAMAN Schmidt to send me a free heat gun haha. He'll feel bad for me soon enough if I keep using my torch...I just know it

[@SteveRobReviews]

I imagine Napa gets them from China as well. I have been buying these for a while now and I think their good. Oh yeah for sure your getting a heat gun from Arizona , lots of hot air down there you probably just crimp your wires and they melt down themselves :) pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=400853456980&globalID=EBAY-ENCA

[@SouthMainAuto]

Dennis has to store them in his freezer lol

[@SteveRobReviews]

I use the blue ones the most 16-14 gauge . pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=331300706667&globalID=EBAY-ENCA

[@SouthMainAuto]

Good price, thanks for sharing the link. Do they have the goo that oozes out of them?

[@vincentbonanno74]

Just picked up on your video{ rv brakes ,part 1&2 ,} came back from N.C mountains and wanted too look at my brakes,on my toy hauler,they needed to be changed.Never knew they came assenblied,old school back in the day,work on alot on my trucks,and cars all drum brakes,I would of bought all the parts ,not knowing they came ready to be put right back on.Great job on your video,

[@70carlton]

we used to pack in more grease because we had old fashioned axle grease now we have that nice high temp red stuff and molly grease etc,...it can take the tempurature

[@mariannetremblay6441]

Parts cleaner... The most rewarding machine ! I must buy that thing !

[@fredhart5033]

Great video, I just did a bearing pack on my RV trailer today, I sure wish I had found this video before I did mine, I am an old KY hillbilly so at 70 years old I have packed a few bearings in my time, just not sure I ever did them right like you did, My trailer dexter axles has those new fangle drilled grease tube, suppose to be able to grease bearings without all this work, My RV dealer says hogwash, take bearings down and do them like you did, Also they say to repack bearings once a year or every 12K miles, I would not do that job again for the trailer, as I do not get around like you and definitely do not have all those quality tools, Again good job, I would be comfortable bringing my 2005 dodge diesel to your shop for maintenance, an I do not let just anybody touch my dodge diesel

[@Cope1024]

Fred, don't sell yourself short.

[@williamsmith7863]

Your method of tightening the nut is justified. On most aircraft tires we spin the wheel while torquing the nut to "seat" the bearing. Some tires take over 200 lbs of torque to properly seat; then we break the torque and re torque to the final setting. So overall you have a good practice. Carry on sir.

[@NathanVogt]

Another great video. I 100% agree about those Scotchloks total crap and the sign of a done on the cheap job. Also I laugh every time you say meat nugget. Keep the videos coming.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Nathan Vogt Lol well... it is a meat nugget

[@dhyde9207]

Had an Airstream for 25 years. Never knew how those brakes actually worked until now. Thanks!!

[@creedrulz6000]

I love these long videos!

[@SouthMainAuto]

!!BAWKMEOW!! Thanks

[@floorpizza8074]

Watching you spin the star adjuster brought back memories of high school, back in 1982. I had a '64 Buick Skylark that had drum brakes all the way around. That car took me through four years of high school auto shop. By the time I graduated, the thing was in tip top mechanical condition, but she was definitely a "butter face"; hard to look at, but dang was she smoooooth.

[@risc19]

I liked the effort with the camera angles Eric O, great vid. Now, I'm off to eat that candy...

[@SouthMainAuto]

***** Careful it really dries out the mouth haha

[@darylsparks-sparksautomoti6066]

Eric.. that wire in the axle for the trailer brakes, as you said, has a double insulation on it. I learned that the hard way. My 55 year old eyes didn't detect it in poor light & my brakes weren't working. I was replacing the wire in my axles, thinking they had broken... nope.. glad you mentioned that on your video for the next guy

[@charliekautzmann8012]

Very informative, great job!

[@Stephen-cr3sc]

That I survived to see 30-years-old (I'm 68 now), was a miracle in itself...And without any serious injury, is beyond amazing.

[@JeffreyStrader]

Eric in Oklahoma I have heard of those little devices called "Piercing Wire Connectors"

[@stephenbrown2427]

i am 62 years old and remember packing grease into bearings the old way and a golf ball size ball of grease inside the axle space brings back lots of memories working for my dad at 14 yrs old for .50 cents an hour. good times

[@kevinarndt3316]

Awesome personality and video. I will now try to do my own brakes for the first time.

[@jmmartykennedy]

5 years later from when this video was made and I think I can change the breaks on my camper my self thank you for creating this video will be subscribing

[@chrismckee5404]

I do my bearing s pretty much the same way Eric, lots of extra grease, run the nut until it is tight and then back it off. I don't have a parts washer, so i use a big pan with diesel or gas in it with an old paint brush.

[@chillybrit2334]

Reminds me of 30yrs ago cleaning bicycle / motorbike chains in an old biscuit tin with paraffin and a stiff brush. Local gas station had a paraffin pump at the time. Also reminds me of around the same time removing crusty black carbon deposits from 2 stroke motorcycle exhaust baffles - that stuff was super stubborn until you learnt the efficient way.... place coked up metal baffle in said tin along with ~1/4 gallon of gasoline, drop a lit match in it and walk away until it burnt out. The black coke would turn biscuity brown and fall off with a light application of a wire brush after that. Wouldn't do that now of course but back then we didn't know any better. Sorry Greta!! :P :D

[@Finite-Tuning]

Home gamers parts washer: 5 gal kerosene/diesel fuel and a deep dish catch pan, oil change pan (creative pan), but what ever you got layin around. You and me, the junk lawn mower boys! I looked for and found and repaired a bunch of questionable tractors/ lawn mowers, but I had fun, I made a buck when I sold the things, and I smiled when you reminded me how it was, back then! The extra grease in the hub, it's back up, it looks right and feels right. I did it this way because it feels and looks right, I continue to do it this way because I'm sure that it's right! Yep yep, Scotch Lock, cut'em right out and solder in the way it should have been done! Well, and too, Scotch Lock is a brand as much as a thing, but you know what I mean! Cheers 🍻

[@wyattoneable]

Thanks for all the explanations and tool reviews at the end.

[@daleolson3648]

I tuned in to see how the brakes on my car trailer worked. Thanks for the clue-in. Now I know. About the wheel bearing greasing, your procedure looks like the same I was shown, back in the late 50's and early 60's. It always worked and NEVER had any troubles. I really like your method of teaching. It beats the wheels off some others that are pretty STERILE with no fun or extra information put in the mix. Nicely done, Thanks!

[@theoldwizard998]

You have to be careful when using compressed air to dry bearing after you clean them. If you let rollers/balls spin in free air you can damage them. Just hold them in you palm and hit them with the air.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+theoldwizard998 Damage them how? That is just an old myth no one can explain or prove lol

[@deepsquat600]

+South Main Auto Repair yep/a myth ..in auto mechanics school we used to angle the air at them as we held with a finger and we would spin them at ungodly high rpm ..never could make a DRY one ..no grease..blow up ..and oh how we tried risking life and limb :)

[@SouthMainAuto]

deepsquat600 I know haha, every time an old mechanic or new one that heard it from the grave vine says that I always challenge them to show me how or heck... even tell me a half way good story but the fact is it is a myth lol. Kinda like muffler bearing grease ya know...

[@efilnikufecin2004]

It's sealed bearings that can be damaged by spinning too fast. They do not "Blow up" The seals simply blow out. No concerns with normal grease-able bearings.

[@weaver02725]

@@SouthMainAuto I'm 67 now but when I was a kid working at my father's gas station, I remember cleaning parts with gasoline. After cleaning wheel bearings I would use the compressor air and spin the bearings to dry them out, well i'll tell ya a couple of times I've had outer bearings blow apart on me.

[@skankmuffin]

Best trailer brake and bearing video hands down! Thanks

[@IRQ1Conflict]

It's a sad, sad world when you need a disclaimer for what should be common sense. Great video though!

[@hyzercreek]

Should have given a disclaimer for that candy, I ate mine and it tasted like crap.

[@dont7995]

Great video ! Love your opinion on the RV industry. I pray we all improve our quality of work. This country is the best and can only get better. Working people, like yourself, make the U.S.A great place to be. You know your craft and it shows. Thank you for taking the time to help others. I will be repacking my trailer wheel bearings on Monday.

[@rickjames9477]

I buy brake clean by the case! I need a darn parts washer...

[@SouthMainAuto]

Rick James I buy it by the pallet :)

[@rickjames9477]

at least it's not by the cargo container! The way you use it in the video's I figured you had a pallet of it around! Keep up the great work man, cheers

[@DanSingleton]

Thanks for pulling the adjuster out of the trash can. :-) Getting ready to putting the 1st set of electric brakes on my boat trailer. Needed that tip about special marine grease for my bearings! Greatly appreciated! U Da Man!

[@DJDevon3]

Start is like something out of an Indy race pit stop. Zoom zoom!

[@SouthMainAuto]

***** Stand clear now

[@albertofino1]

I’ve never ever replaced a brake assembly before but because of your video and great explanation of how to,,,,, I’m a pro now. Thank you very much. Albert

[@brianthompson2045]

Call me Nascar Eric!!!! Whew! Loved the beginning!

[@sosideblue]

Thanks. You should be a automotive teacher. Its not easy teaching and you do a great job at it.

[@scflooring8658]

You really should do story time with Eric O at least once a week! Awesome story I can relate thanks for the trip down memory lane

[@jean-martinbacon2685]

I just saw this (old) tutorial, but it was good for me. Very well explained and i will be more confident doing my rv brakes which a just bought, in the future. Keep the good work. I follow your channel since 2020 when a restore an old 2002 Dakota 4.7 and your videos were very inspirational for me. Thank from Lévis,Quebec, Canada.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Great to hear!

[@dnelson8]

I learned to pack bearings at a Texaco station in Indianapolis in the mid 70's. I was taught to do the cotter pin by wrapping the longer prong around the outside of the nut. Easy to use channel locks to fully secure prong close to the nut. The shorter prong we cut off. Packed the bearing by hand the same as you. Did not waste grease, just covered bare metal to prevent rust, did not glob it on the axle or cram into the dust cover. Talk about not wasting anything. When changing oil, as soon as the majority of the oil stopped flowing out of quart can, we put that can upside down to drain to get every last drop into a gallon oil container. It didn't take long to fill this container up with new oil. After doing 2 or 3 oil changes, there were 10 or 15 cans waiting to be drained before we could toss. Owner got really PO'ed if cans were thrown away without draining. This "new" oil was use for his truck.

[@SouthMainAuto]

D Nelson Thats funny, I knew a guy in our area that rigged up a gutter system he would tip his up in and catch in a gallon container to and dump it in customers cars , didn't matter what i was either, 5w 10w 30w he called it "multi-viscosity"

[@funntier]

I have been a wrench for years and think what you do is good i hung out in my dads shop and worked with him for years, haveng your family around is a good thing.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+funntier Sure is!

[@funntier]

It sure is good to see some one doing it right and giving the people you serve the proper repair for there money.

[@tiemanmalcolm]

One of the best how to on electric brakes out there! Great! Thank you 😊

[@NMranchhand]

Good Lord! We got taught in the same tribe with the same tribal chants. I appreciate your honesty, “ I do it, but I don’t know why”. You are my reference mechanic from now on. Thanks.

[@danielalamo2075]

I like your bearing packer. I did learn how to hand pack but we also had a packer on the dairy when I grew up. I have one now from harbor freight. It works. But I got myself a needle that plugs into the grease gun. This is the cleanest method for me. I just insert the needle in between the bearings and fill. Also, I learned to put a lot of grease in the hub. The reason is the grease also helps keep the heat down. And I have been removing those Scotch locks and either soldering or butt connectors. And yes, I enjoyed the video.

[@johnlaycock583]

You do it that way because someone showed you how to do it. In my case it was my Father and Older Brother. Like you I also packed many many bearings just like your Dad showed you! Great Video! Keep up the Good work.

[@harleyworm3641]

We just bought a 2016 Casita travel trailer and I wanted to familiarize myself with the braking and bearing setup. Your video was just the ticket. I've watched, learned and enjoyed many of your other videos. Thank you!

[@roberthague396]

EXCELLENT video. Had I not found your video, I would have had to pay someone else to replace brakes and bearings on my camper, Definately learned a lot by watching this video and as a result it appears my new brakes will work fine. Got power to them, and they are adjusted, only have to do a road test and hopefully we're all set. Thanks so much!

[@gobblerb6943]

Great video. 5 years old and still the same awesome Eric O

[@joekirwan3602]

You have got to be the best mechanic/technician I’ve ever seen. The most honest and thorough, and you explain everything in a way for anyone to understand. I appreciate your time and videos . Thank you

[@donaldelmore3274]

I've had good success with wire nuts and liquid electrical tape for the whole. Park it upright. Great attitude and videos!

[@stephanieluigon5192]

I had to go back to a 2015 video to learn about your affinity for those heat shrink butt connectors, and indeed, you are correct about them being better than those scotchlock connectors. However, where longer runs of electrical wire exist, such as on semitrailers, and additional resistance created by any sort of crimped connection will eventually result in increased oxidation and those "green crusties" that we all hate. I have seen the heat shrink butt connectors fail, and amazingly, with no physical indication through the translucent insulation. It looked fine, it did not pull apart, but it would not conduct enough electricity to lite a three watt bulb in a 12V system. Solder and heat shrink are still the only reliable permanent fixes for hard to access locations, like the top clearance lights on a 13'6'' trailer (before LEDs).

[@patrickjmullin631]

YOU...should have you're own TV show! Just super. Just bought an old camper - got to do the brakes and bearings! Thanks so much. A big fan north of the border in the Great White North. Cheers.

[@joeg9200]

enjoyed your story about the lawn mower, I too have a thing for lawn mowers and I just turned 50.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Joe g Well see, there ya go!

[@DaHoef]

That was great! Good fortune for me that you chose this morning to post part 2, when I was working on my trailer. You're good at this, and few people on YT are. THANK YOU!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Da Hoef Cool , Thanks :)

[@tolitze6521]

In the Navy, we call it sea stories. Thank you for the video.

[@americanrambler4972]

Been a long time since I have packed wheel bearings. And I have used scotch locks. Reason, simple, quick, easy and cheap. And they were a short term temporary fix that worked. I know they are not permanent nor are they the greatest. But they got me lights and back on the road. (I had bought a 50 year old boat and the trailer lights did not work. The wiring was crumbled and I just bought a cheapie trailer wire kit and some lights, and a roll of white wire to use as a ground wire. 20 minutes later and I had fully functional bright well grounded lights and I was on the road home. What great about scotch locks is you can use them without crimpers or pliers. A couple of rocks picked up off the ground can make for a surprisingly simple and effective set of tools.

[@gonepriused]

Great video, and humor . Ah those stories when we were kids are priceless. Keep on wrenching man!

[@bostonbillyduchaney5655]

Eric Great Video. Worked at a trailer shop for 20 years. Your Spot on with your repair. Exactly the way I apply grease heatshrinkersc etc. Screw Scotchlocs! The only thing I don't agree on is you adjusting new backing plates. Dexter Backing Plates are Pre Adjusted From Factory. Other than that Great Job

[@wayne1959]

great episode mate..im 62 and been driving spanners most my life and never seen a fancy bearing packer like yours..the only think i do different nowdays is add a squirt of lucas or moreys to the hub after i slide it on and before i put the outer brg in just to keep things liquid in our aussie heat..ive done it on my own trucks and trailers of all sizes with gear oil but find the above seem to run cooler on the big long summer runs..love your work man.

[@robertvela7844]

Never laughed so much watching someone do wheels bearing and brakes very entertaining I have 6 trailers and going to do just what you said because I can see clearly you know exactly what you are doing. thanks so much

[@shelleyking8450]

LOVE the adjuster advice! Whichever way you think it goes, it's the OTHER way. PERFECT

[@anthonyl2082]

SMA: I am so glad you made this video. Your teaching approach is hands down one of the best I've encountered. This video just saved my rear-end with my wife's trailer. OUSTANDING!!!

[@concernedparent6291]

I can't say thank you enough for this video. I didn't know crap about these brakes before. But now I feel like an expert. Thank you.

[@markpasieka]

Dexter manual also says to use Red thread sealer or equivalent when installing bearing seals.... your videos are addicting...love watching you do , even if I already know how to do it on occasionally.

[@BenjaminHansen]

Eric, today is 5/20/2022. You may not read this post after 7 years of making the video but I would like to say I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your childhood stories while you showed us how to replace the breaks/bearing on our trailer axles. This is why I contribute to your Patreon account. Even thought it may be a very minimal amount, I am showing my appreciation. Did you see the the little kids car in the background? Probably your daughters. I hope it brought it back back good memories. Thanks for doing what you do. Ben

[@dashcam3098]

Best trailer brake video on you tube, fantastic job Eric.

[@FRANKBURNSONE]

Hey, Big "O. I built a tester like that 35 years ago when I was an RV mechanic. I used a Milk Crate and a full size deep cycle battery though. I attached some wheels and a pull handle in case I had to test a trailer on the lot. A week or so later I went to use it and it was not where I had put it. I went looking around the shop and found it in one of the other mechanics bays. I told him to either build his own or put it back where you got it from when you are done with it. It sure was a time saver.