How often should I repack the bearings on my boat trailer?
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.
Are all boat trailer hubs the same size?
The first specification to determine is the number of studs/bolts and the ‘bolt circle’ diameter. Most 4 lug hubs have a 4” bolt circle and most 5 lug boat trailer hubs have a 4 ½” bolt circle diameter. Cargo and utility trailers with 5 lug hubs are commonly found with a 5” bolt circle.
How often should trailer hubs be replaced?
Many trailer manufacturers recommend this maintenance every year if your trailer gets normal use, or at least every 20,000 miles.
What trailer hub do I have?
The numbers on the back of a trailer bearing correspond to a certain spindle size, and this is the easiest way to determine the correct hub. If a number is not legible on the bearing then you will need a micrometer to measure the inside dimension of the bearing.
How much does it cost to replace wheel bearings on a boat trailer?
Wheel bearings are usually designed to last an extremely long time. So, how much does it cost to pack wheel bearings on a trailer? Surprising little, expect to pay as little as $100 and at most $400.
How do I know what bearings to buy for my trailer?
The easiest way to determine which bearings are used on your trailer axle is to take the hub off and look for the reference numbers stamped into the metal of both inner and outer bearings. If the bearing numbers are unclear, the next best solution is to take measurements of both bearings. This is the bearing itself.
How do I know if my trailer bearings need replacing?
Jack up the trailer and secure it on adequate capacity jack stands. Check wheels for side-to-side looseness – There should be a very slight amount of play in the wheel, typically 1/8-inch or less. If the wheels are loose or spin with a wobble, the bearings must be serviced or replaced.
How often should you grease trailer bearings?
12,000 miles
Proper lubrication helps maintain functionality and reliability of your trailer’s axle(s). Bearings should be lubricated approximately every 12 months or 12,000 miles unless otherwise specified by the axle manufacturer.