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Simple home maintenance helps extend the life of trailer bearings and prevents problems during transport.
Lubricating trailer bearings may seem complicated, but the process is simpler than many people think. If you have a trailer — whether by boat, trunk or trip — understanding how to keep your bearings in good condition can prevent bigger problems down the road.
Understanding the function of bearings
The bearings are located between the axle and the hub, and their main function is to allow the wheels to rotate smoothly.
Additionally, they support the weight of the trailer. Therefore, they wear out over time and require periodic maintenance.
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Many manufacturers recommend lubrication every 30.000 km, but others suggest more frequent checks, between 15000 and 20.000 km or, at least once a year.
Tools and items needed
To carry out the process at home, the ideal is to prepare a basic set of tools.
You will need wheel chocks, jack stand, hydraulic jack with compatible capacity, wheel wrench, pliers, hammer, screwdriver, socket wrench (usually 13/16″), nitrile gloves, safety glasses and sturdy footwear.
Also have automotive grease — the red and sticky one is usually indicated —, a new rear seal and a level place to park the trailer.
Time to lift the trailer
Before doing anything, slightly loosen the wheel nuts, chock the opposite wheel and use the jack to lift the wheel that will be inspected.
Then, support the trailer on the stand. With your hands on the sides of the wheel, try to move it back and forth. It must rotate freely and must not have any play or make noise.
If there is squeaking, noise or locking, it is a sign that the bearings need to be cleaned and lubricated.
Removing the wheel and accessing the bearings
With the trailer supported and the wheel loose, remove the dust cover with a hammer and screwdriver or wood punch. Just below you will see the castle nut, cotter pin and axle washer..
Use pliers to remove the pin, unscrew the nut and remove the hub. The bearings will be inside.
The rear grease seal may be stuck and will require the use of a hammer to remove. Even then, it should be replaced.
Cleaning and lubricating bearings
With the bearings disassembled, use gloves and a solvent such as alcool, kerosene or citrus cleaner to clean each piece.
With everything clean, take a handful of grease in the palm of your hand and press the bearing until the grease completely fills the interior, covering all the rollers.
Then, grease the inside of the tracks and put a generous amount of grease inside the hub. This step is essential to ensure the proper functioning of the wheels.
Reassembly and final adjustment
Assembly is done in reverse order. Replace the bearings, hub, washer and castle nut. Tighten the nut until the wheel locks, then loosen it slightly until the cotter pin can pass through. The wheel should turn freely, without play.
With this, the trailer will be ready to return to the road, with the bearings properly lubricated and protected.
If everything was done correctly, you ensured greater safety and durability for your trailer.
Now that you have learned how to lubricate bearings, the next step may be to delve deeper into the complete replacement of these parts, improving the maintenance of your vehicle with confidence and practicality.
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