It’s really important to repack your trailer
bearings on a regular basis. Why is it important? I’m so glad
you asked. The wheel bearings need to stay well lubricated
to work properly while bearing the weight of your trailer.
Unfortunately, over time the grease breaks down, especially
if water works its way inside the bearings. Hence the
importance of repacking the bearings with grease on a regular
basis. It is recommended to do so every year or 10,000 miles.
Imagine the extra revenue you could generate for your shop
by simply mentioning this fact to every trailer owner that
walks through the door.
Before you begin, you will want to have all your materials out
and ready to go. Here is a complete list of everything you
might want to use.
Materials Needed:
-Hammer
-Needle-nose pliers
-Large flat head
screwdriver
-Large adjustable wrench
-Wrench for lug nuts
-2 Jack stands
-Solvent
-New cotter pin
-Bearing grease
-Gloves, clean rags and
small pan
Some of these things can be substituted with a different tool,
however having all these things on hand will help you do get
the job done in a quick and somewhat clean manor. Once you
have these things it’s time to get in and get your hands dirty!
74
5 Steps to Repacking your Trailer Bearings
Step 1: Removal
With the axle raised on a jack, remove the wheel and then
the dust cap. The flat head screwdriver will work to take off
the dust cap. Next, remove the cotter pin by unbending it and
pulling it out with your needle nose pliers. And finally remove
the rear bearing.
Step 2: Cleaning
Now it is time to take the seal out of the bearing. There are
several ways to do this but we recommend simply prying it
out with your flat head screw driver. Once that is out, you can
remove the inner bearing as well. Use solvent to clean all the
old grease off of the bearings, races, seal and hub surfaces. It’s
important that you clean all parts thoroughly!
Step 3: Repacking
Once everything is out and clean, you can do the actual
repacking. Do this by putting a glob of fresh grease on your
palm and begin working it into the bearing. Make sure that
it is fully packed and no gaps remain. It’s also ideal to add
another layer of grease around the rollers, on the bearing
continued on page 76
NATDA Magazine www.natda.org