Re-packing Wheel Bearings

[Crossroad]

I have a 2008 Crossroad, Zinger TT that has been pulled for about 4000 miles. Is it necessary to have the wheel bearings re-packed? It doesn't go anywhere real dirty and is storied inside during the winter. I foresee pulling it about 500 miles this season. I haven't noticed any heat or grease build up on the rims. Any thoughts on whether this is necessary this year or could it wait another year? Thanks for the input.

[bullheaded]

Probably not if they were packed right in the first place. You might pull the dust covers and see if the grease looks black, thin, or smells burnt.

[lostagain]

I pull my hubs every spring and inspect the brake linings, bearings, cups and magnets, then repack the bearings. But that's just me, probably doesn't need to be done that often.

[Crossroad]

If I'm just pulling the dust covers to inspect is it necessary to jack up the trailer? Thanks for the advice.

[lostagain]

This will help you. How to Grease the Wheel Bearings on a Trailer | eHow.com

[bullheaded]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crossroad If I'm just pulling the dust covers to inspect is it necessary to jack up the trailer? Thanks for the advice.

It would be best that way you can check "the play".

[Crossroad]

Thanks guys for the advice!

[Crossroad]

So I started the project of re-packing the wheel bearings and I noticed I have bearing buddies. Has anybody had any experience with these and are they worth keeping on. I assume I just need to grease these once in awhile.

[bullheaded]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crossroad So I started the project of re-packing the wheel bearings and I noticed I have bearing buddies. Has anybody had any experience with these and are they worth keeping on. I assume I just need to grease these once in awhile.

They are spring loaded, get a grease gun and I would use a good water proof boat trailer grease. Add grease till the floating cap that the grease zerk is threaded into moves out and the grease comes out of the weep hole. If they don't have rubber caps over them you can get some to help with keeping the wheels clean. They make them in many sizes, measure yours.

[Crossroad]

I wouldn't mind sending you a picture of what I'm calling a bearing buddy. Because what I have and what you are describing sound a little different. Are the factories known to put a modified bearing buddy on some campers. It does have a zerk, but it doesn't have the floating cap as you and other internet sights describe. I'm not sure how to attach a picture, but if you wouldn't mind I would send one to your personal email. thanks

[bullheaded]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crossroad I wouldn't mind sending you a picture of what I'm calling a bearing buddy. Because what I have and what you are describing sound a little different. Are the factories known to put a modified bearing buddy on some campers. It does have a zerk, but it doesn't have the floating cap as you and other internet sights describe. I'm not sure how to attach a picture, but if you wouldn't mind I would send one to your personal email. thanks

PM sent.

[Ray,IN]

I suspect you have EZ-lube axles. You may add wheel bearing grease with a gun, BUT, follow the axle greasing instructions or you may push grease past the inner grease seal and contaminate the brake shoes.
The "bearing buddy" caps are designed for boat trailers_without brakes. It doesn't matter if you push grease past the inner seal, the design purpose of them is to compeletly fill the hub with grease, keeping water out. They have a spring to keep the grease pressurized in the hub.

[pthomann]

I can tell you this, this is the first year that I didn't grease my wheel bearings because I assumed they were fine, as I had just had all (4) brakes replaced prior to our "trip". Well, how wrong I was, at some point during the trip I lost the entire right rear wheel, hub & drum due to massive bearing failure. My TT is currently 370 miles from home awaiting what is certain to be very costly repairs. This is one of life's lessons learned the hard way. I will never forgoe re-packing my bearings annually again! The cost of doing this is much cheaper than what I will bear! Take my advice and re-pack bearings on an annual basis regardless of mileage.

[armycopter]

I repacked mine this spring after I purchased the used trailer. I have no idea when the bearings were last repacked. When I first pulled the bearings they looked to have plenty of grease, it didn't smel burnt, and it was still an amber color (not black). I thought I was good to go but I decided to re grease anyway.

Well... long story short, after cleaning the old grease off the bearings, I found thousands of tiny metal shards in my bearing cleaning bucket. All the bearings were shot. I ended up replacing all eight bearings, races, and seals.

I think that you should re-grease each season which will also let you inspect your bearings for wear.