Last Updated on October 14, 2022 by Douglas
Greasing your travel trailer wheel bearings is a necessary process for the health of the bearings. It keeps them from seizing up and helps to keep them clean. This article will go over how often you should grease your travel trailer wheel bearings and what you should use to grease them with.
It is important that you do not wait too long before greasing your travel trailer wheel bearings. If they are not greased, they will seize up and stop working properly. The most common reason that people have seized up bearings is because they waited too long to grease them.
How do I know if my trailer bearings need grease?
Place your hand on each of the wheel hubs of the trailer. If it is too warm to hold your hand in place, you may have a bad bearing. The wheel bearing may; require lubrication, be bad or not have enough play.[1]
How often should you repack bearings on a travel trailer?
How often should you repack your trailer bearings? The axle manufacturers recommend that you repack your trailer bearings once annually or every 12,000 km. If you are over-do for trailer wheel bearing maintenance, we would be happy to help you.[2]
Can you put too much grease in trailer bearings?
Too much grease volume (overgreasing) in a bearing cavity will cause the rotating bearing elements to begin churning the grease, pushing it out of the way, resulting in energy loss and rising temperatures.[3]
Can you over grease a wheel bearing?
Too much grease volume (over greasing) in a bearing cavity will cause the rotating bearing elements to begin roiling the grease, pushing it out of the way, resulting in energy loss and increasing temperatures. This can result in accelerated wear of the rolling elements and then component failure.[4]
How much does it cost to have trailer bearings repack?
You can expect to pay $50 to $75 per wheel when it comes to having your wheel bearings professionally packed. It may be expensive, but it’s worth the assurance that it’s done right.[5]
How long does bearing grease last?
The recommended maximum storage time is two years for greases and ten years for lubricating oils; assuming reasonable stock keeping practices and protection from excessive heat and cold.[6]
Should trailer hubs be filled with grease?
Expert Reply: Standard tapered trailer wheel bearings are recommended to be re-packed with fresh bearing grease about every year or every 12,000 miles under normal use.[7]
Is White lithium grease good for wheel bearings?
Did you know a spray of WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease is a great lithium lubricant for bearings? It reduces friction on bearings and helps keep them protected from rust as well. Simply apply by spraying directly onto the area.[8]
How do you know when a grease fitting is full?
If this is the case, the best tactic is to “feel” the grease into the bearing cavity until slight resistance or back pressure is felt against the trigger, or lever, signaling the bearing cavity is now full.[9]
What is the best grease for wheel bearings?
Editor’s Choice: Valvoline Full Synthetic Grease. Lucas Oil X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease. Lucas Oil Red ‘N’ Tacky Grease. Mag 1 High-Temp Wheel Bearing Grease. Mobil 1 Synthetic Grease. Timken Premium Red Wheel Bearing Grease. Sta-Lube New Generation Wheel Bearing Grease.[10]
What kind of grease do you use for trailer bearings?
LMX Red Grease A heavy-duty, premium grease rated for just about every application, including marine trailer-wheel bearings. It resists water well and sticks in place, so it’s excellent in outdoor applications, but it isn’t specially formulated for wheel bearings.[11]
How long should wheel bearings last on a travel trailer?
Following that table closely will help you keep your RV in tip-top shape as it ages. RV wheel bearings should be repacked with grease once a year or every 10,000 to 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.[12]