The Comprehensive Guide to Changing a Trailer Wheel Bearing

Introduction

Trailer wheel bearings are vital components responsible for supporting the weight of the trailer and ensuring smooth movement. When these bearings fail, it can lead to serious accidents and costly repairs. Changing a trailer wheel bearing is a crucial maintenance task that every trailer owner should be familiar with. This comprehensive article provides a detailed step-by-step guide, along with helpful tips, safety precautions, and troubleshooting advice.

Understanding Trailer Wheel Bearings

Wheel bearings are precision components that facilitate the smooth rotation of the trailer wheel. They consist of two races (inner and outer) and a set of balls or rollers that roll between them. When the trailer is in motion, the races and balls rotate independently, reducing friction and allowing the wheel to move freely.

Types of Trailer Wheel Bearings:

• Ball Bearings: These bearings use spherical balls as rolling elements. They are relatively inexpensive and handle radial loads well.
• Tapered Roller Bearings: These bearings use cone-shaped rollers that provide high load capacity and durability. They can withstand both radial and axial loads.

Signs of a Failing Trailer Wheel Bearing

When trailer wheel bearings wear out or become damaged, they typically exhibit the following symptoms:

• Excessive noise or grinding sounds coming from the wheel area
• A noticeable increase in tire wear
• The wheel feels loose or wobbly when shaken
• The trailer pulls to one side while driving
• Increased fuel consumption

Tools and Materials Required

Tools:

• Jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Wheel chocks
• Grease gun
• Bearing packer
• Bearing puller (if necessary)
• Hammer
• Torque wrench
• Utility knife
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

Materials:

• New trailer wheel bearing (2 per wheel)
• High-temperature bearing grease
• Sealant
• Rags or paper towels
• Cotters pins (if applicable)

Safety Precautions

Before beginning any maintenance work on your trailer, take the following safety precautions:

• Park the trailer on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks behind the wheels that will not be worked on.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves throughout the process.
• Support the trailer securely using jack stands.
• Never crawl under a trailer that is supported only by a jack.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Trailer Wheel Bearing

1. Remove the Wheel

• Remove the lug nuts using a lug wrench.
• Gently lift the wheel and pull it straight towards you to remove it from the axle.

2. Inspect the Old Bearing

• Remove the old bearing assembly from the hub.
• Inspect the races for any signs of wear, pitting, or damage. Replace both races if necessary.

3. Pack the New Bearing

• Fill the bearing packer with high-temperature bearing grease.
• Place the new inner bearing race in the bearing packer and pump grease into it until it is completely filled.
• Repeat the process for the outer bearing race.

4. Install the New Bearing

• Apply a thin layer of grease to the bearing surfaces of the hub.
• Place the packed inner bearing race into the hub.
• Set the new wheel bearing on top of the inner race.
• Apply a small amount of sealant to the outer bearing race and place it over the wheel bearing.

5. Install the Seal

• Remove the old seal from the hub.
• Apply a thin layer of sealant around the outer edge of the new seal.
• Press the new seal into the hub using a hammer.

6. Install the Wheel

• Place the wheel back onto the axle.
• Tighten the lug nuts by hand as much as possible.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.

7. Grease the Bearing

• Attach a grease gun to the zerk fitting on the hub.
• Pump grease into the bearing until new grease begins to ooze out from the seal.

8. Reinstall the Cotter Pin (if applicable)

• If your trailer uses cotters pins on the axle, insert a new pin through the hole in the spindle and bend the ends of the pin over the hub.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Excessive Noise:

• Check for worn or damaged bearings, races, or seals.
• Ensure the bearing is properly packed with grease.
• Verify the wheel is properly aligned.

Loose Wheel:

• Inspect the bearings and races for excessive wear or damage.
• Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.
• Check the wheel bearing adjustment.

Tire Wear:

• Check the wheel bearing adjustment.
• Ensure the trailer is properly aligned.
• Inspect the tire for any other signs of damage.

Maintenance Schedule

According to the National Trailer Dealers Association (NTDA), trailer wheel bearings should be inspected and repacked every 10,000-12,000 miles. If the trailer is used in harsh or dusty conditions, more frequent inspections and maintenance may be necessary.

Stories**

Story 1:

A new trailer owner was driving along the highway when he heard a loud noise coming from the right rear wheel. He pulled over and discovered that the wheel bearing had completely failed. The wheel had separated from the axle and the trailer had been riding on the bare rim for some distance. Luckily, there was no damage beyond the wheel bearing and the trailer owner was able to have it repaired quickly.

Lesson Learned: Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Story 2:

A seasoned mechanic was working on a trailer when he realized that the wheel bearing had been installed incorrectly. The outer race had been placed on the inside and the inner race on the outside. The mechanic had to disassemble the hub and bearing and reinstall them correctly.

Lesson Learned: Always consult the manufacturer's instructions or seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any repair or maintenance procedures.

Story 3:

A trailer owner was having his trailer serviced at a dealership. The technician noticed that the wheel bearings were packed with an excessive amount of grease. The grease had leaked out of the bearing and covered the brake shoes, causing the brakes to engage partially. The result was a constant feeling of drag while driving.

Lesson Learned: Using the correct amount of grease is essential for proper bearing operation and to prevent damage to other components.

Tables

Effective Strategies

Preventative Maintenance:

• Regularly inspect and clean the wheel bearings and hubs.
• Remove any debris or contaminants that may cause damage.
• Ensure proper alignment of the trailer and wheels.
• Use high-quality bearing grease and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for lubrication intervals.

Proper Installation:

• Always consult the manufacturer's instructions before starting any work.
• Use the correct tools and procedures for bearing removal and installation.
• Ensure the bearing races are clean and free of damage.
• Apply the correct amount of grease to the bearing surfaces.

Early Detection:

• Monitor the trailer for any unusual noises or vibrations.
• Inspect the wheels and bearings for signs of wear or damage.
• If any issues are detected, have the trailer inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

Pros and Cons of Changing Trailer Wheel Bearings

Pros:

• Cost-effective: Changing wheel bearings is typically less expensive than having a mechanic do it.
• Improved Safety: Properly maintained wheel bearings ensure smooth and safe operation of the trailer.
• Increased Vehicle Life: Regular maintenance and timely repairs extend the lifespan of the trailer and its components.

Cons:

• Time-consuming: Changing wheel bearings can be a time-consuming process, especially if the old bearings are difficult to remove.
• Requires Special Tools: Some of the tools required for changing wheel bearings, such as bearing pullers, are not commonly found in home workshops.
• Technical Skills: Changing wheel bearings requires a certain level of technical skill and knowledge. Incorrect installation can lead to serious problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long does it take to change a trailer wheel bearing?

A1: The time required to change a trailer wheel bearing depends on the experience of the individual performing the task, the number of bearings being changed, and the condition of the old bearings. On average, it can take around 2-4 hours per wheel.

Q2: Can I do it myself?

A2: Yes, changing trailer wheel bearings is a task that can be accomplished by DIYers with the necessary tools, knowledge, and skills. However, if you are not confident in your abilities, it is