How to Grease Trailer Bearings
Loosen the lug nuts of the tire with a lug wrench., Jack the trailer axle up with a bottle or floor jack., Remove the lug nuts and wheel with the lug wrench and look at the back of the wheel and hub for grease., Pry off the hub dust cap with a...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Loosen the lug nuts of the tire with a lug wrench.
You should do this for all the tires on the trailer side you are starting on. , Place a jack stand on each side of the wheel to support it.
Prevent the wheel on the other side of the trailer from moving by putting a block of wood behind it. , The rear seal will need to be replaced if you see any grease. , Use light taps on the screwdriver once it is underneath the lip to get the cap loose. , Locate the cotter pin on the hub. , Remove the slotted nut and washer. , The bearing might come out with the hub.
Have rags ready for any grease that comes out. , You should take off as much dirt and old grease as possible.
You should also clean the dust cap, washers and cotter pins. ,,, Replace them if any damage is noted. , You can use a bearing packer with a grease gun or pack them by hand.
Both methods are described below. ,,, Hold the bearing with the other hand and wipe it through the grease. -
Step 2: Jack the trailer axle up with a bottle or floor jack.
Repeat these steps until grease is showing through the other side.
Remember to grease the inner and outer bearings.
Reinstall the newly greased inner bearing and rear seal.
Use a rubber mallet to tap the seal into the hub until it is flush with the hub bore. , Place the greased outer bearing and washer back into place. , You should loosen the nut a little if the hub slows down or stops turning. , Bend the ends back out and around the nut to hold it in place. , Push grease into the cap as you spin the hub to distribute all the grease. , Stop the grease when the spring is fully compressed or the indicator is at "full."
Repeat this process for all of your tires. -
Step 3: Remove the lug nuts and wheel with the lug wrench and look at the back of the wheel and hub for grease.
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Step 4: Pry off the hub dust cap with a flat-head screwdriver.
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Step 5: Rotate the hub slightly to check for any noises that indicate the bearings have to be replaced.
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Step 6: Straighten the ends of the cotter pin and remove it with needle-nose pliers.
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Step 7: Take off the hub and outer bearing.
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Step 8: Clean the hub
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Step 9: outer bearing and inner bearing with parts cleaner or a brush and pan of kerosene or gasoline.
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Step 10: Remove the seal and inner bearing the same way you removed the dust cap.
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Step 11: Allow the parts to air dry or blow them dry gently at low speed with compressed air.
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Step 12: Inspect the bearings and other parts closely for rusting
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Step 13: pitting or other damage.
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Step 14: Pack your bearings with grease.
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Step 15: Place the bearing on the bottom cup and screw the top cup over it until the cups securely fit over the bearing.
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Step 16: Squeeze grease into the bearing using a grease gun until it is dripping out of the sides.
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Step 17: Apply a jelly bean-sized amount of grease onto one hand.
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Step 18: Rotate the bearing occasionally to coat it evenly.
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Step 19: Coat the inner part of the hub with grease and slide it back onto the axle.
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Step 20: Put on the slotted nut and tighten it as you spin the hub.
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Step 21: Ensure the cotter pinhole is exposed and put the pin back into place.
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Step 22: Tap the dust cap back into place over the hub with the rubber mallet.
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Step 23: Use a spring or indicator inside the cap to determine how full it is.
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Step 24: Coat the lug thread with anti-seize compound and reinstall your wheel and tire.
Detailed Guide
You should do this for all the tires on the trailer side you are starting on. , Place a jack stand on each side of the wheel to support it.
Prevent the wheel on the other side of the trailer from moving by putting a block of wood behind it. , The rear seal will need to be replaced if you see any grease. , Use light taps on the screwdriver once it is underneath the lip to get the cap loose. , Locate the cotter pin on the hub. , Remove the slotted nut and washer. , The bearing might come out with the hub.
Have rags ready for any grease that comes out. , You should take off as much dirt and old grease as possible.
You should also clean the dust cap, washers and cotter pins. ,,, Replace them if any damage is noted. , You can use a bearing packer with a grease gun or pack them by hand.
Both methods are described below. ,,, Hold the bearing with the other hand and wipe it through the grease.
Repeat these steps until grease is showing through the other side.
Remember to grease the inner and outer bearings.
Reinstall the newly greased inner bearing and rear seal.
Use a rubber mallet to tap the seal into the hub until it is flush with the hub bore. , Place the greased outer bearing and washer back into place. , You should loosen the nut a little if the hub slows down or stops turning. , Bend the ends back out and around the nut to hold it in place. , Push grease into the cap as you spin the hub to distribute all the grease. , Stop the grease when the spring is fully compressed or the indicator is at "full."
Repeat this process for all of your tires.
About the Author
Nancy Brooks
Experienced content creator specializing in creative arts guides and tutorials.
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