When 'should' i change bearings

[SteveHall]

I would normally like to do my bearings every 2 seasons, and normally when its getting close to the date I try and slip it in before any big trips.

Its coming up to the time to do them again, and I wanted them to be done buy TrailerGuy this summer but with things coming up, and the distance between us both it never really happened.

I have been asked to go to the IoW in a few weeks, and with the e-Tec needing a service this will take up most of my free time.

What do you guys who trail lots each year recommend as a check?

I have the weight of the wheels and there is no side to side play
I flush the wheels after each trip
I check the hub temp after about 10 miles
I have RAC cover

[Nick Hearne]

If you have tapered roller bearing then I would just jack the trailer up, dust cap off, split pin out, castle nut off & take the wheel & hub off in one go. Check bearing if all good put it back together job done peace of mind for under an hour mucking about!

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

If you have tapered roller bearing then I would just jack the trailer up, dust cap off, split pin out, castle nut off & take the wheel & hub off in one go. Check bearing if all good put it back together job done peace of mind for under an hour mucking about!

Or....If it the Trailer Wheel Pass's you on the Motorway!!.....LAST WEEK!
I just Jack up the Trailer and Spin the Wheels...If it Rummble's..sounds at all Rough! Change em

[SteveHall]

I use the 'Rumble' test, and that sounds OK - but normally only do 100 or so each way - this will be 250ish each way.

[paddlers]

I just check the play & do the 'rumble' test. I wouldn't bother changing mine if they sound & feel ok. Re-grease & check on the journey. We do about 350 each way for our jollies.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by SteveHall

I use the 'Rumble' test, and that sounds OK - but normally only do 100 or so each way - this will be 250ish each way.

No problem Steve...I've done 4x 500 mile tows and 2x300+ pluss plenty of lesser one's.this year alone... on one set, and their still fine!
I tend to check if anything is getting warm when we stop for a Break..more for peace of mind than anything.....Never hurts to carry a set though!
I do like to cool the bearings down before they get dunked,and have a flush kit fitted which I use every time,and am convinced doing both helps!
If they don't Rumble,and the rest of the Trailer is Fine,carry a few Spares and.....Just Go for it!

[SteveHall]

I have sealed bearings... so no grease nipple

[captnjack]

Originally Posted by SteveHall

I have sealed bearings... so no grease nipple

And sadly no way to inspect the bearings or races either.

I have never replaced mine, but do remove, clean, inspect, and regrease them every few years - especially before a long trip. 200 miles is not long in my opinion, 1200 miles each way is long.

[Nick Hearne]

Originally Posted by SteveHall

I have sealed bearings... so no grease nipple

I replaced my axle when I bought my boat as the brakes where missing and it was rusty as hell after 6 years of neglect, but the sealed for life bearings where in perfect condition with out being looked after in all that time!

[SteveHall]

Cheers Nick - Thats good to know!

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by SteveHall

Cheers Nick - Thats good to know!

Steve (we meet again) I used to change my taper bearings religiously every year, when I got the new trailer with the Al-Ko sealed bearings I did the same, it was a hard habit to break. I found that I was changing perfectly good bearings at £30quid apiece. My current set are 3 years old & still good. Plenty of flushing & rinsing after each trip is the secret. The brakes are another story