Neglecting trailer bearing service? Out-of-sight and out-of-mind, it’s easy to overlook bearings. But you don’t want to be ‘that guy’- the one stuck on the side of the road with a disabled trailer. To prevent yourself from becoming dangerously stranded on the side of the interstate, know the signs pointing to the need for bearing service…
What’s that Noise?
If clicking, squeaks, grinding, or other noises emit from your trailer wheels, you may have a bad bearing or insufficient lubrication. How can you tell given roadway noise levels? Have a friend listen from the driver’s side and/or position someone curbside, towing your trailer past at about 25 mph to confirm.
Feel the Heat
After towing your trailer for a short distance, about 5-10 miles at highway speeds, park it, placing a hand over each of the wheel hubs. If the wheel hubs of your trailer are too warm to keep your hand in place, you may have a bad bearing, insufficient play, or be in need of additional lubrication.
On the Loose
If you feel excess play in the wheel (more than 1/8-inch), or wheels feel loose, spin, or wobble, this points to the need for bearing service or replacement.
Worn Out
If you remove the two bearings from the end of each hub and see signs of abnormal wear, such as individual bearings that are loose in their sockets or obvious bearing damage, now is the time to re-grease or replace bearings. (Tip: While you’re in there, check the hub as well.)
Limited Time
Servicing bearings every 6 months or 6,000 miles is best to ensure safe, reliable trailer operation. If servicing bearings yourself, it is essential to remember NOT to mix different types of grease thickeners. Doing so can cause incompatible greases to acidify, harden, or separate, creating hazardous conditions that could lead to an accident.
Bearings can fail quickly. Don’t be ‘that guy.’ Contact Ainsworth Trailer Repair and schedule routine bearing maintenance for your trailer today.
