How to repack wheel bearings | Installing grease seals on Grand Design Solitude

In this video I show you how to repack wheel bearings, show you what’s involved installing grease seals and do some RV brake maintenance. Repacking the wheel bearings on your fifth wheel or travel trailer is important yearly maintenance. Installing new RV grease seals & repacking the RV bearings with fresh grease is an easy job almost anybody can do. Since we are living the full time RV life repacking the RV bearings as well as RV brake maintenance is very important to us. Any questions about the process, feel free to reach out and ask.
🔻🔻LINKS🔻🔻
Megan’s ETSY Wreath Shop:
etsy.me/2qLqFEU
❇️❇️PRODUCTS WE MENTION IN THIS VIDEO❇️❇️
🔹Grease seal puller: amzn.to/3vJ8YpE
🔹 1/2 Drive impact flip socket set: amzn.to/3t5Qq1u
🔹 1/2 Drive breaker bar: amzn.to/2OMloMF
🔹 Kobalt 1/2 inch drive Torque Wrench: amzn.to/3lwiRC6
🔹Westward Brake resetting gauge: amzn.to/3lwd9QO
🔹Lucas Red n Tacky Grease: amzn.to/3s3qz9t
🔹CRC Brake Cleaner: amzn.to/30YvQTG
🔹Prolube deluxe steel bearing packer: amzn.to/3lsRbOG
🔹Mechanic disposable powder free gloves: amzn.to/3vTuk3J
🔹Rubber Mallet: amzn.to/3eWNK1v
🔹Bearing race and seal driver: amzn.to/2P7GnJE
🤝🤝CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA🤝🤝
👉🏼Instagram: / __whywait__
👉🏼Facebook: / chris.kapperman.5
👉🏼TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@_whywait_
✅ Why Wait Amazon Page ✅ www.amazon.com/shop/__whywait__
All of our favorite RV gear, categorized & located on our Amazon Storefront.
❇️❇️PRODUCTS WE USE AS FULL TIME RVERS❇️❇️
🔻All THINGS WATER/SEWER/HOSES/TOILET
🔹On the Go Portable Water Softener: amzn.to/38Rhl8R
🔹 Instapark Water leak sensors: amzn.to/3h4D7Zg
🔹Zero G Water Hose: amzn.to/2XM8385
🔹Valterra twist on sewer gate valve: amzn.to/3iVccjI
🔹Water Filters two pack: amzn.to/2XPSlsE
🔹Water pressure regulator: amzn.to/2XM8mjf
🔹Quick connect water hose connectors: amzn.to/2LAcbFM
🔹Brass 90 degree water elbow: amzn.to/2XOMUKl
🔹4 way garden hose splitter: amzn.to/3o03Kkg
🔹Camco 20’ Rhino sewer hose kit: amzn.to/3cj5Fhy
🔹Happy Campers blank tank treatment: amzn.to/3r2HRCr
🔹Thetford drain valve lubricant: amzn.to/2Zi0cja
🔹Plumbers silicone grease: amzn.to/3jPaelx
🔹Water flow meter: amzn.to/2XN08aj
🔹IWISS PEX Cinch tool: amzn.to/39pYthL
🔹Camco clear 90degree sewer elbow - amzn.to/39exjuw
🔹Camco 20ft sewer hose slinky support - amzn.to/2HE5Jvp
🔹Camco rubber donut sewer seal - amzn.to/3fB4Os4
🔹Camco clear 45degree sewer elbow - amzn.to/3m3URFY
🔻CAMPER INSIDE ITEMS
🔹Motion sensor puck lights: amzn.to/2Wwo7tN
🔹Eva-Dry mini 1100 electric Dehumidifier: amzn.to/34wgAzx
🔹Eva-Dry Edry Dehumidifier (large): amzn.to/2WuNThZ
🔹Eva-Dry E-500 rechargeable mini: amzn.to/3nCAbWt
🔹RV bed gas spring struts: amzn.to/3rH4duJ
🔹DampRid refillable cups: amzn.to/2J4Eniy
🔹La Crosse weather wind speed station: amzn.to/3nBB7KP
🔹Indoor stair treads: amzn.to/37AJS25
🔹Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner: amzn.to/3nCCp8h
🔹Curtain rod for loft: amzn.to/3nAw6lu
🔹Over the sink dish drainer: amzn.to/37y5yMf
🔹30 pack Spice rack grippers: amzn.to/3at8njv
🔹Easygoing Sofa slipcovers: amzn.to/34wlf4v
🔹Command Velcro hanging strips: amzn.to/37xuIul
🔹Power Airfryer 360 Oven: amzn.to/2L01nA8
🔹Instant Pot: amzn.to/37L5jNT
🔹Midbunk mattress: amzn.to/3nF7o2s
🔹Ottoman lift top storage benches : amzn.to/3bLxui1
🔻ALL THINGS OUTDOORS/TOOLS/CLEANERS
🔹Flag Pole Buddy: amzn.to/3ngZexY
🔹Viair Portable Air Compressor: amzn.to/3nRsYlh
🔹GCI Pod Rocker chairs: amzn.to/2WKKOup
🔹LCI Lippert Screen Door: amzn.to/3hW9gmo
🔹Traveling dog water bottle and collapsible dish: amzn.to/2LgJ3D1
🔹Telescoping ladder: amzn.to/3a8Sv3P
🔹TST Tire Pressure Monitor System: amzn.to/3cfONrW
🔹242 piece fuse assortment kit: amzn.to/3qZArA1
🔹1/2 Drive impact flip socket set: amzn.to/3t5Qq1u
🔹Kobalt 1/2 inch drive Torque Wrench: amzn.to/3lwiRC6
🔹Eternabond Tape: amzn.to/2YpetKE
🔹30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner: amzn.to/2YHnfnf
🔹Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X RV
surge protector: amzn.to/368DiOZ
.....NOTICE......
Some of the links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase using our links, we will earn a small commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you but helps us keep providing the content we share. We recommend these products because we use them as ourselves and find them helpful to us not because of the small profit we make. Every linked product we use and appreciate it when you use our links. Thanks

[@WhyWait]

Comment below: When was the last time you checked your Fifth wheel or travel trailers brakes and bearings? If you don’t know maybe it’s time 👍🏼

[@EatSleepRVRepeat]

No doubt. We've never checked our "new to us" 2014 Jayco Jay Flight Swift SLX 184BH wheel bearing... and for some reason I doubt the owners before us did too. Even though it was in immaculate condition when we bought her. So this is something we definitely need to look into adding to our never ending RV Project list.

[@Goostradamus81]

great video, im about to do mine. Any chance you have a downloadable copy of your maintenance check list?? Cheers!

[@WhyWait]

@@Goostradamus81 thanks! No unfortunately I don’t but I’m working on anew maintenance video and will hopefully have a downloadable sheet for it 👍🏼

[@pancakes429]

You have to over tighten the castle nut, then unthighten it to the point where it spins freely, with zero play on drum. Otherwise, it's a great video .

[@araxkermani6871]

Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. As a non-handyman who aspires to become one, your resources are incredibly valuable. You do an awesome job of explaining things and I hope you continue making videos.

[@WhyWait]

Appreciate that. I’ll try and keep them coming👍🏼

[@Rattletrap2]

I have seen a lot of videos on this........and this one is one of the very best! Thanks

[@WhyWait]

Appreciate that! Love hearing feedback like that 👍🏼

[@NisaCookbook]

Great video, thank you :) Congratulations on going over 1,000 subscribers TFS STAY CONNECTED

[@thejagfamily08]

Awesome video and information, thanks for the help

[@wilkerfamily1379]

Great video! Very informative and well presented. Thank you for your time!

[@WhyWait]

Appreciate that and thanks for watching. 😁

[@GimpyCamper]

Good information for sure! I’ve watched other videos on this before I have done it in the past and your video was a lot easier to follow. I have to adjust my brakes on my camper because I never have. That’s actually a project for the near future!

[@WhyWait]

That’s great. Thanks, I’m glad it was easy to follow 👍🏼 Was hoping it would be a good video for people who haven’t tackled the project yet.

[@AFKDays]

We just got our trailer back from the shop. Had the shop do it. Next time will givenit a try. Thanks!

[@WhyWait]

Ok. Yeah it’s not for everybody and it’s not too expensive to get done in the shop either. But sure, give it a try next time. It’s pretty easy ho early. As full timers I hate packing up and taking it somewhere for maintenance. Pain in the butt lol Thanks for watching as always. 👍🏼

[@stevefelix3640]

Thank you for posting this video. Your explanation was very clear and concise, which made it very easy to understand and reduce some anxiety of actually doing the job. Everything went just as you explained it. Thanks again

[@WhyWait]

Awesome! Good deal, I’m glad it helped you out and things went smooth 👍🏼

[@LivingtheSilverLife]

Great job on how to repack the bearings. Bill always repacks our wheel bearings. Congratulations on 1,000 subs.

[@WhyWait]

Thanks again for the support. That’s great Bill gets it done too. Hoping this video helps out people new to the process.

[@BrokenDreamsReborn]

Very informative video! Something we will have to come back to! Congrats again on the 1000 subs y'all! That is so awesome! ~ Shion and Matthew

[@WhyWait]

Defiantly. Bookmark it and come back to it when your ready which will hopefully be soon for you guys!

[@CurtisBowers]

Great video. The last time I did this was back in the early 80's when I worked at a machine shop for 6 years. I have 3 trailers, 2 are new (camper & boat) with one old cargo trailer. I will need to tackle this on my cargo trailer sooner than later.

[@WhyWait]

Not a bad job right? Of course having three trailers to do isn’t much fun haha

[@adventuresofsteveandlaurie]

I appreciate your thoroughness in your videos.

[@WhyWait]

Thank you. Sometimes I feel like they are too long but I hate leaving the little details out. Figure people can always skip the crap they don’t want to hear 🤣 Thanks for watching 👍🏼

[@RoamingwiththeRamsays]

Great video, very informative. Looking forward to seeing you run your maintenance checklist.

[@WhyWait]

Great thanks! Yeah tomorrow’s video is a king one even though I tried to shorten but it’s all things maintenance for the RV. Appreciate you watching!

[@Mike-br4sj]

Great video. Very informative with good detail.

[@WhyWait]

Thanks. Appreciate the kind words and hope it helped.

[@johnkeely6292]

Excellent video.. Did a great job explaining and demonstrating

[@WhyWait]

Thanks! Appreciate that 👍🏼 Safe travels out there.

[@VietnamWalkingTV]

So helpful video. Thanks my new friend!

[@CompassRoadz]

AWESOME video! Very thorough job and informative. I was USAF for 21 years and worked on F-16/ F-15/ F-22/ B-2 and MQ-9. I say all that because I am very apprehensive of working on our rig. Seeing how easy this is has more than assured me I can tackle this task. Thanks for the video.

[@WhyWait]

Thank you and thanks for your service! One of our older boys is in the Air Force! And yes you can definitely do this job. Just bookmark this video as a reference for when it’s time 👍🏼

[@thetraveltrailerguy]

Great video, thank you :) Congratulations on going over 1,000 subscribers

[@WhyWait]

Appreciate it and thank you for being a part of helping grow our channel 👍🏼

[@RVTIPSANDTRAVELS]

Good video Chris!

[@WhyWait]

Appreciate it as always. Definitely look you guys up next time we are in PA. Shame we were just there all of last summer and missed you

[@rosswunderlich5299]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@WhyWait]

Thanks Ross, appreciate you watching. 👍🏼

[@ouRVisionnomadicliving]

Great DIY video Chris. I carry a spare set of bearings and seals with me. Just in case. Old school packing the bearings. Nice. I buy a lot of my parts on E-trailer as well. 👍

[@WhyWait]

Great! Good idea too. I carry some extra seals, leaf springs and other parts but I should carry some bearings too. Thanks for watching

[@philstucker1312]

Great step by step video. I done ours this past spring. We should be good to go when we travel to Coastal Breeze in January. Thanks!

[@WhyWait]

That’s awesome! Safe travels and tell everybody we said hi! All of our friends will be back there this winter including the our friends who will be the winter activities directors.

[@Tawnieandwayne]

Great tips and demonstration on how to do it. I plan on repacking ours before going full time in April!

[@WhyWait]

Awesome. Well if you didn’t already know how I hope this helps! Thanks for watching

[@Tawnieandwayne]

@@WhyWait Yea, this will be my first time and video helps a lot!

[@mkexp.]

Great information as usual. 👍🏻

[@WhyWait]

Thanks guys! Safe travels

[@rickmcculloch374]

You do nice work, thank you.

[@WhyWait]

Appreciate that Rick. Thanks for watching 👍🏼

[@enroutewithchuckandcherie]

Stopping by to say congrats on the 1k 🎉🎉🥳🥳🥳

[@WhyWait]

Thank you so much ♥️😊

[@daveanddianethrowingcautio5707]

Great informative video. I have not messed with bearings since I was a youngster. Then during our Class A days of course I didn't mess with them. Now that we have a 5th wheel again so far I've just had a shop do them. Maybe I'm lazy lol!!

[@WhyWait]

Naaaa it’s not for everybody and it’s pretty cheap at a shop to get them done. Just a pain in the butt packing up moving the camper to bring it to a shop lol

[@ChasingOurSunshine]

You are so handy and how nice you helped out with your friends also! Congratulations on 1K subs!! Great how to video again and this looked like a messy job- good call on the gloves! Chasing RV Sunshine 🌞 Joel, Deb & 🐕 Maya

[@WhyWait]

I try lol, yeah my buddy Ron had foot surgery recently and I know they wanted to get theirs done so I did it for them. He was happy to help me film in return.

[@ChasingOurSunshine]

@@WhyWait Well that worked out perfectly!

[@BottleJackBuddy]

Thanks for the video.

[@WhyWait]

Almost got one of those bottle Jack buddies awhile back. Good product for sure

[@WeekendRVing]

Why wait this is an amazing video. We will need to do this one of these days.

[@WhyWait]

Thanks so much 😊

[@ThriftyAngela]

All done with your playlist! 😁 I will definitely try to go back and watch a few videos individually and comment. Good luck! I hope you get your hours soon! 😊

[@WhyWait]

Wow, thank you so much. I will be playing yours tonight. Did a different channel last night. Thanks again!

[@ThriftyAngela]

@@WhyWait Thank you so much. You are very kind. Please, no rush or anything. I know there are other channels that need it more. Hope you have a great week! 😊❤️

[@EatSleepRVRepeat]

Thrifty Angela... that's exactly what we're doing now. Watching through the playlist. We need to get them those Watch Hours 😉! Don't forgot to keep watching...🧡

[@basmalahassan]

Very nice video thanks for sharing

[@WhyWait]

Thanks. Appreciate you watching 👍🏼

[@twillford27]

Great info.

[@WhyWait]

Thank you. Hope it helps out a bit and thanks for watching. 👍🏼

[@theunclejeffchannel1]

Thanks!

[@kingtut5923]

Really like your shades.

[@WhyWait]

They are Rheos, floating sunglasses

[@user-ds8ds8wx3m]

I just subscribe to your channel. Thanks for taking the time to show how to perform this important task. I just purchased a used grand design 5th wheel & I need to know how to grease the bearings. I will be following your video step by step. 👍

[@WhyWait]

Good deal, hope it helps out. What floor plan/model did you get?

[@user-ds8ds8wx3m]

@@WhyWait 2018 reflection 303rls 32ft.

[@proceedingonwardinamerica]

Great video and congrats again. Don’t worry the sunglasses make you look cool 😎 so rock them.

[@WhyWait]

Haha nice ! Thanks again for the support.

[@SomedayDownSouth]

We just bought are rig in August so we haven’t had to do the bearings yet but we will be back to rewatch when it’s time 😅

[@WhyWait]

Awesome. That’s great! I’m hoping this helps people out who haven’t tackled the job as of yet. Thanks for stopping by!

[@skoffco]

Also, don’t forget there are greece zurks on your leaf springs shackles as well. At least there is on my 2021 Solitude 310 GK. Great video by the way thanks for the effort.

[@WhyWait]

Grease not greece lol…but yeah there are no zerks on my shackles or older RVs. Mine is a 2018. I know have the Roadmaster Comfort Slipper Springs! Appreciate you watching 👍🏼 BIG RV SAFETY UPGRADES (Why You Should Get This Done) // Performance Trailer Braking kzbin.info/www/bejne/mITOoKCVeMSpg6c

[@skoffco]

now have Roadmaster comfort springs not know… lol we are even😂😂 damn dictation instead of typing.

[@WhyWait]

@@skoffco hahaha

[@EatSleepRVRepeat]

This one is probably better for Lou to watch, since it's more her department. So saving to my Watch Later... to re-watch with her. Lol

[@WhyWait]

It’s a great video to bookmark and come back for reference when it’s time 👍🏼

[@stevebutel9088]

Thanks for the good Video. What size socket for the GD Solitude?

[@WhyWait]

You know I’m not too sure off the top of my head and I’m not at home but here’s a link to the socket set I’ve been traveling with and it’s great for lots of things. I think I use the 19mm out of this set. Appreciate you watching 👍🏼 amzn.to/4485tud

[@Knuckledragnation]

If someone has the same setup can they take the rubber grommet off and hook up to the Zerk fitting say in a bind or if they are out on the road and just want to make sure something is in there?

[@46fd04]

If the brake drum comes off easy, the brakes are out of adjustment. Tighten them up when the bearing maintenance job is done, with the brake drum installed. There is a rubber plug on the back, remove it, and use a brake spoon to tighten them up. If you have self-adjusting brakes, adjust them manually using a brake spoon at least twice a year (if there is no resistance when you spin the drum by hand). The drum should never spin freely, when the brake shoes are properly adjusted.

[@ericstoner8635]

If you have self adjusting brake hubs, why do you need to adjust them?

[@user-ky5im6fe8w]

Hello, just watched your video on re packing the hubs. A few questions about jacking up the camper. I have self leveling as well, how do I lift up only one side? Do I take the camper to hit hitch height where only the first 2 feet are on the ground? When you lift the side you are working on won’t there be too much stress on the opposite feet? How an I find all the links to the products specifically the bearings and seals, thanks

[@WhyWait]

Bearings and seals are rig specific. You’ll need to find those on etrailer. They are great at answering questions and helping you find the right ones. www.etrailer.com/ Obviously there are Amazon links to the other stuff in the video down in the video description. For leveling go to manual mode on the control panel. There you can adjust each individual jack or side of the camper. You just raise up the side you are going to work on first, just till the tires are up off the ground. Do like I said in the video and leave one tire on if it makes you feel more comfortable, if a jack malfunction the camper is only coming down one inch until the other tire hits the ground. And no that’s not more stress on the other jacks on the other side…those tires are still on the ground remember. That’s where the weight is.

[@TilFurtherNotice]

I’m thinking the next time we attempt to grease our bearings, we will just track you down and hire you to do it 😂. Or better yet, maybe we should just follow you around the country, because our list of rv to dos is growing 😉 Thanks for sharing… but seriously we need help…so where will you be next month?! 😂😂

[@WhyWait]

Haha I hear you, that list is ever growing and it never stops either 🤦🏻‍♂️ We are going to Savannah GA for the winter this year. We usually go to Texas.

[@TilFurtherNotice]

@@WhyWait never ending! We will be north Florida!

[@WhyWait]

@@TilFurtherNotice oh nice!! We’ll be close by 😉

[@CruisinwiththeColemans]

We just had ours re-packed and unfortunately, one of them had turned blue. I think we needed to do it sooner. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Nice video - Michelle & Brian

[@WhyWait]

Oh get thing you at least got it done when you did. Did the bearing need replacing?

[@CruisinwiththeColemans]

@@WhyWait That one did, I think, the rest were fine. We traveled from Ohio to the West Coast this summer and we should have had them repacked before we left but you know... COVID. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@EatSleepRVRepeat]

Oh jeez... that sounds scary. Maybe we should move this project up sooner on our list of things to do!

[@RussellJLed]

Great video! Just curious, is it really a problem if I install say, the front driver’s side bearings set and rotor where the rear driver’s side bearings set and rotor goes? And vice versa? They look exactly the same. I may have done it accidentally and they went on and seem to work fine. (Not talking about switching the inner bearings with the outer). Just an honest question. So helpful answers wanted only.

[@WhyWait]

No it really shouldn’t be a problem but that’s why I always do one set at a time. I just always feel more confident putting the same set and parts back on where they came from. Just in case something has sort of worn or got set in it’s way on that certain wheel in that spot. But that’s just being anal. It really shouldn’t matter and it’s no different than installing a brand new set of bearings or new rotor on said wheel. 👍🏼 Thanks for the bud words and appreciate you watching!

[@stevebeaulieu2617]

Hey Chris ! When you cover the spindle with the new grease, have you ever had problem with grease going in your drum and your shoes ? I mean while your driving.

[@WhyWait]

No, not at all Steve and it shouldn’t. In fact I even just had new 8k Dexter axels installed yesterday and the spindles come from the manufacturer covered in Lucas Red n Tacky grease and wrapped in plastic wrap. 👍🏼 Plus since we just opened everything up for the new install everything looked fine as usual inside my drums. Thanks for watching.

[@46fd04]

When tightening the bearing nut, take it to 50 ft/lbs of torque, then back it off to hand-tight

[@tylersimms1889]

Hello, I have one question. Is there any specific way on how to use the auto level system on manual to jack one of the sides to take the tire off? Is there any wrong way? Would there be too much stress on the other side? TIA!

[@WhyWait]

Nope, nothing special, you just raise the one side up on the two back jacks. About an inch or so off the ground. Doesn’t hurt anything 👍🏼

[@johnmacatee8047]

Thanks! I was quoted $100.00 per axel. I am going to do this myself. I do not have a zerk fittings on my hubs, what is your opinion of installing bearing buddies? My travel trailer is a 1998 22H Artic Fox with 2 axels.

[@WhyWait]

Nice! It’s really not too hard of a job and good peace of mind knowing you’ve checked everything out inside there. I can’t comment on Bearing Buddies, just not familiar with them and never heard of them. Good luck with the project and stay safe out there!

[@leonardfourcault9842]

are the wheel bearings and seal come in different sizes or are they all the same size? i have a 2018 Jayco Whitehawk pull behind traile.

[@WhyWait]

Wheel bearings and seals are all different depending on your RV and axles. I would go to etrailer.com to buy these. They can help you out with finding the right ones for you. They are very good at answering questions and letting you know what’s right for your truck or trailer.

[@Shrav2112]

I want to do this on our 5th wheel before we head out on a 2 week trip this summer. The big question: Where do you jack it up? I'm getting conflicting answers. Would love your opinion. Thanks!

[@WhyWait]

Depends. Here’s a good video where they talk about that. I use my hydraulic jacks like in the video, one side at a time and only an inch off the ground and only one tire at a time. All for safety reasons. If you want to take 2 off at a time or even all 4 I don’t recommend doing it like me. I’d jack it up and use jack stands. Using the frame if possible.

[@WhyWait]

Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/roCwioipeZKgprcsi=ODNyuwtPxScH8alq

[@stevebutel9088]

Is a breaker bar sufficient or should I buy a 1/2” drive impact gun?

[@WhyWait]

I’ve always just used a breaker bar. I do have a Ryobi Impact gun now but never really use it.

[@timmbuchheister1621]

Hi, I have got the same GD Solitude. Contacted etrailer and asked them which grease seal to get. They said to take the hub off and measure. Are you using the GS-2250DL grease seals?

[@WhyWait]

I’m not at my camper right now but I will check when I can!

[@WhyWait]

Yup. I just checked. The GS-2250DL is what I use 👍🏼

[@stevebeaulieu2617]

Hello, I need your opinion on that, I did brakes and bearings this week-end and I thight the castle nut to 50 pound torque and loose it and tight it by hand until it stop. I did a little road test and find out a bit of a play when I jack the wheels to see if I have play. Do you recommand to have realy no play when you push on your tire rignt to left and top to bottom ? Thanks you very much for your help.

[@WhyWait]

Check wheels for side-to-side looseness - There should be a very slight amount of play in the wheel, typically 1/8-inch or less. Really should be much movement at all. If the wheels are pretty loose or spin with a wobble, the bearings must be serviced or replaced.

[@stevebeaulieu2617]

@@WhyWait Chris when you put your tire back on did you find some play by just tightning the castle nut the way you did it ? When you push your tire side to side and up and down. Thanks again.

[@WhyWait]

@@stevebeaulieu2617 I didn’t have any play but everybody’s setup will be different. I hate the cotter pins because I have to back off the castle nut so I can line up the hole so the cotter pin can go through. I prefer those push on tang washer or cage castle nut keys I believe they are called. But yeah really tighten that castle nut down as tight as you can to seat. Rock the hub and push in to make sure the hub is fully seated onto the spindle. Then tighten the castle nut a little more. Then back it off just a hair. Here’s how etrailer.com recommends it… Look to see where the cotter pin hole lines up with one of the notches on the nut. Then back the nut off one notch, so that the cotter pin will fit through the castle nut. Install the cotter pin and then spin and rock the hub. When you rock the hub you should feel the hub barely moving front to back. Try experimenting by loosening the castle nut one more notch to feel the difference in the play in the hub. Then install the wheel and rock the hub again. On the outside edge of the tire, the movement should not be more than 1/4" inch. Any play should be barely noticeable.

[@jeffgipperich1426]

I have a 2021 Jayco travel trailer. Can I just use a grease gun to put new grease in?

[@WhyWait]

So you probably have the quick grease zerks fitting where you could do that but I never recommend it. Like I say I’m the video too many times people pump too much grease into there and blowout the seals. I’ve seen it a few times then you have grease on your brakes. Plus opening these things up and looking inside when you repack by hand gives you the chance to inspect everything. Inspect your brakes, the moving parts, make sure no seals have blown out. Plus by repacking by hand you get all of the old grease out when you do that. 👍🏼

[@timothywells457]

How do you know what size grease seals you need?

[@WhyWait]

I looked mine up on my RV manufacturers part list for my specific RV. Also when you pull the seals out the number is on them. You can also measure everything, based off your old seal, measuring outside, inside diameters and width. At this point you have everything opened up anyways and should be able to read the numbers on the old seals anyways. Go to Etrailer.com and order there, you can also ask exact questions with them and they are excellent at finding the exact parts you need. That’s the best route to go. Www.etrailer.com Hope this helps.

[@rtruark]

How do you know what sizes seals and bearings to order? Is it based off rim size or?

[@WhyWait]

Few ways. I looked mine up on my RV manufacturers part list for my specific RV. Also when you pull the seals out the number is on them. You can also measure everything, based off your old seal, measuring outside, inside diameters and width. At this point you have everything opened up anyways and should be able to read the numbers on the old seals anyways. Go to Etrailer.com and order there, you can also ask exact questions with them and they are excellent at finding the exact parts you need. That’s the best route to go. Www.etrailer.com Hope this helps.

[@PerpetualProfit1]

I also have a solitude where do you buy the seals?

[@WhyWait]

I purchase everything off of Etrailer.com. They are also super helpful with any questions you may have!

[@rayfrancisco2599]

All is good except the bearings need to be tight. If there is any slop the bearings will self destruct due to the hammering from going down the bumpy road. Tighter is better than loose.

[@jocool562]

Some pro tips: 1. Brake clean 2. Trash can within arms reach 3. Box 'o rags 4. Knee pad or low shop stool

[@WhyWait]

Nice tips 👍🏼 Appreciate you watching.

[@MYCHANNELWITHMYSTUFF]

How do you know what seals to buy?

[@WhyWait]

I looked mine up on my RV manufacturers part list for my specific RV. Also when you pull the seals out the number is on them. You can also measure everything, based off your old seal, measuring outside, inside diameters and width. At this point you have everything opened up anyways and should be able to read the numbers on the old seals anyways. Go to Etrailer.com and order there, you can also ask exact questions with them and they are excellent at finding the exact parts you need. That’s the best route to go. Www.etrailer.com Hope this helps.

[@wooddawg4868]

Every trailer I have had had ez lube axles. I just pump and spin tire until I see new grease. I don’t know why here in 2021 they can’t design a single axle bearing that’s sealed that you can change like a pistol magazine and keep it moving. Their on cars and trucks.

[@WhyWait]

Sometimes I don’t get it either why trailer bearings can’t be more like automobiles. Thanks for watching.

[@Dickj203]

Do you have to repack ez lubes ? I noticed this trailer had a zerk fitting as well.

[@mikewatson1675]

Save a lot of mess and hassle and just buy a $30 bearing packer. Makes this job a lot cleaner/quicker

[@WhyWait]

Haha it sure does! Every time I do the job I say that to myself 😂😂🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️ Thanks for watching

[@wes326]

Why do automobile wheel bearings last 10 times longer than trailer bearings?

[@WhyWait]

Wheel bearings on most modern cars and trucks are a sealed unit to the wheel hub. The bearings on a trailer are not considered a "sealed unit". Which is why a wheel bearing on a car is $150+, and a set of bearings/seal for a trailer is $20. That’s why vehicle bearings are better quality, better sealed and in most cases, have lower rotation speed (larger radius, lower rpm, less heat) than trailer bearings. Also most trailers are much closer to the weight limit of the axles than cars are, which the bearing heat stresses the grease more and lastly grease does not do well sitting around once its used. Many people only use the trailer once a year. I think it’s just an overall good practice and checking everything out inside there to find any potential problems before a major problem happens…👍🏼

[@wes326]

@@WhyWait Makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the reply.

[@leapnlarry]

Those brakes look like self adjusting , most gd come with lippert self adjusting brakes. Larry

[@WhyWait]

Yes, they are, you are correct sir. 👍🏼 I realized that after making the video. I will actually be switching over to the electric over hydraulic brakes next month.

[@bobabooie6389]

👍🇺🇲

[@WhyWait]

🫡👍🏼

[@bottmar1]

No, just NO on backing off the nut a quarter turn after just snugging the nut up. Timken/ tapered bearings are meant to have no end play. That means all the load bearing rollers are sharing the load evenly. Any end play allows weight to be concentrated on fewer rollers shortening bearing life.

[@WhyWait]

Interesting. On this style you absolutely have to back it off a hair because you will never get the cotter pin to lineup with the hole otherwise.

[@bottmar1]

When you stated to back off the castle nut a quarter turn you already had too much end play, then you loosened the nut more yet to get your cotter key in. If you are going to turn the nut looser then at least only do it from a no end play position. There is a lot of people concerned with what they consider too tight as far as tapered bearings are concerned but actually a very slight preload on that style of bearing is desirable. That will allow for a little bearing wear and ensures proper load distribution of weight. Every trailer bearing and some other vehicle bearings are so loose that the wheel moves when you grab it. Trailer axles are made so cheap that they don't provide a system that allows a more accurate way to adjust the nut properly. They only provide a castle nut which allows only six positions for the nut. I usually drill an extra cotter key hole in the axle which provides twelve nut positions. In other cases I install thin shim washers to allow the castle nut to be positioned in new positions. I have trailers i have owned for over twenty years that have no loose or bad bearings the whole time when I test the wheels for that. Have a good day. 😊

[@jamesglenn520]

You are Absolutely 💯% Correct. That is way to loose for that style of bearings. Tighten it while turning the hub until you can't move it and back it off just enough that it comes free.

[@bottmar1]

@James Glenn. I don't like to turn the axle nut loose to find the correct preload on bearings. Once the bearings/races are seated by over tightening, I loosen the nut completely and turn the nut tighter to find the exact point that you can feel resistance on the nut indicating no bearing free play, then I slightly tighten the nut to preload the bearings.( and not finger tight-just slightly more with a wrench) It is more accurate to find the exact point where there is no bearing free play by tightening. Loosening is more guess work. After all, torquing anything else is done by tightening as a rule. Have a good day! 😊

[@dondartt684]

Takes 1 hour per wheel for me.

[@WhyWait]

Nice. Sounds about right. Thanks for watching 👍🏼

[@johnmills837]

Mystik Red is better than Lucas

[@Afact-kt8qb]

thank you

[@WhyWait]

Sure thing 👍🏼