wheel bearings on tandem trailer

D

dmengland

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C Dory Year
2009
C Dory Model
26 Venture
Hull Identification Number
CDO26004E809
Vessel Name
SheSayNo
How many miles can one go before re-packing trailer bearings? Trailer has only been in fresh water a couple times a summer.
 
No idea on miles but I re-pack mine every spring.
 
I ran about 8500 miles last year and replaced at 7000. The mechanic told me to quit messing about by squirting in a bit of grease everyonce in a while. I had blown out the back seal on one. He said every 2 to 3 years if I run 8000 miles a year. Doing it every year is apparantely overkill if you rinse and watch for heat while towing. This mechanic told me he sees as much work for over maintenance as under. If the trailer is new to you, have it done and then go every other year, unless you don't tow much. With the miles I do, it is better for the wheels than sitting long term. Change tires also every 3 years or so. They don't last like car tires. I check for heat on the bearings and tires every time I take a break. So far no breakdowns. George
 
I used to repack my bearings every year and then had a failure (after 4 years). Now I CHANGE bearings and seals every 2 years and (knock on wood) haven't had a failure in 8 yrs.
 
I have been wondering the same thing. The tandem trailer is now two years old and haven't had to do a thing to the bearings. I trailer often but not long distances, maybe a couple hundred miles at a time. Some salt, some fresh. The bearings never seem to even get warm and I check them every stop so so far so good.
 
Does not make a difference if single axle or tandem (or triple as in some Tom Cats).

I am using Posi-lube spindles, and like to check the hub at least every month if using the trailer. If going on a long trip--then I re grease the hub (fairly easy with the Posi-lube system).

To inspect you remove the rubber plug on the outside. If there is any water or discoloration--then change. You might consider a few pumps of grease--if the excess grease which comes out--then you are good to go. If any water, milky color, or rust, then pump out all of the old grease, and replace it.

For example we took the boat to the Keys--about 800 miles. We repacked the bearings when we left home, and checked them before we where to leave the keys--squirted some grease thru the Zirc fitting and it was good. Came on home. At home we inspected the bearings and grease--all good.

Generally we repack about every two years. I will be towing a lot this summer, and will check it often.

Just running low temps does not guarantee that there is not a problem. A bearing with some water may not heat up immediately. Visual inspection also is important. Also use the IR thermometer to check the temp of the discs or drums to be sure that one is not dragging!
 
I too have the posi-lube spindles. How hard is it to get the rubber plugs back in correctly?
 
Easy (not infallible) ways to check the condition of the bearings:

Spin the wheel while it's jacked up. If you can feel or hear a grumbling in the hub, something is going bad. It should turn smoothly and noislessly.

If you have drum brakes, there should usually be a slight rub of drum on shoes with each turn - but it's a good idea to adjust periodically anyway.

Try to rock the wheel back and forth. A little play is OK, but if there's a lot, things may be starting to come apart.
 
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