Do You Have Your Trailer Wheel Bearings Repacked Regularly? If Not, Here’s Why You Should…

Apr. 3 2020 Maintenance By Jodi Tebb

Bearings fit into the hub of your wheels and they are what allows your wheels to turn properly. Trailer wheel bearings carry the entire weight of the trailer so repacking your trailer bearings is a critical part of your regular trailer maintenance.

Bearings require grease to prevent friction and ensure the wheel turns freely but overtime the grease starts to break down. If your bearings are not kept well-greased the increased friction will eventually cause your wheel to seize.

If this happens while you are hauling, it will not only leave you stranded roadside, but it will also cost you a lot of money in trailer repairs. Furthermore, if your bearings seize or fail at a high rate of speed it can put you and others at risk for a serious accident.


How can you tell when your bearings start to fail?

      1)  SOUND

You will hear a screeching, grinding or roaring sound coming from your tires in motion


     2)  TIRE MOVEMENT

If you grab your tire with both hands and you are able to move it up and down more than normal this could be a sign that that it is time for some bearing maintenance.


     3)  STEERING ABNORMALITIES

If you feel your truck and trailer start to veer to one side consistently or there is more play in your steering than there should be then it is likely that it is time to repack or replace your bearings.


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. All of us here at Airdrie Trailers want to make sure that every trip you take with your trailer is a safe and uneventful one!


Contact us today to book or to get a free quote!