Is there a right/wrong way on maintenance as far as replacing bearings/seals.......age (1x/yr or every 3 years etc) OR miles??? Both myself and a co-worker would like to know what you folks all think or do. I give mine 3-4 shots of grease every year but don't know about co-workers. Told him I'd ask as he's just as curious as me. Either I've been lucky or fortunate, but no probs is 4 years and approx 5-7k miles.

I check at the beginning of each long trip by removing the center cap. I also check the tire and hub temperature as I make stops along the way. If you use the back of your hand near the center cap as you walk around the unit you will notice any hub that is hotter than the others. Water submersion is the main reason to repack in my experience. I have gone through flooded areas and needed to repack right away and if I keep the axles out of the water I have waited as long as 20,000 miles and 5 years on the RV. On the boat I repack at the beginning of each season and check as mentioned above each time it is in the water.

I HAD those zerks 2 RV's ago and never used them... I will tear down the components at the beginning of each year to visually inspect. If the outter bearings or shaft look questionable, I will tear down into the inners and re do the seals as well.. For normal wear, I will repack each assembly probably every 2 years. disclaimer - - I am not a full timer, we are just weekend warriors , last year we only took 4 trips for a total RV rolling miles of about 3500 miles total.the truck did 5000 miles total last year

Do ours yearly, we travel around 10-15,000 miles. Tear them down, repack, change seal and adjust brakes.

This thread should generate some activity, due to the many opinions on the subject, and the CYA recommendation of the manufacturers.My opinion...bearing service is either done way too often, or just completely ignored, until there is a failure. I do the bearings very soon after purchase, when new, and right away if trailer is purchased used.Once I have inspected the bearings, and packed them well, with quality grease, they are good for 4-5 years, in my use. The seals should be replaced any time they are removed obviously.I have used the zerks also, and no issue with the seals leaking grease onto the brakes. Follow the manufacturers recommendation on the proper procedure for zerk use. A tip...I tow the trailer to warm the bearings/existing grease first, before using the grease gun, that I lay in the sun to warm/soften the grease. I add enough grease, to see fresh coming out the front bearing.Jerry

ACZL wrote:I give mine 3-4 shots of grease every yearThen you never greased the outer bearings. I consider the EZ-Lube thing a gimmick that might contaminate the brakes.I never use the grease fitting and hand pack every year, PA state inspection requires pulling one hub per axle anyway.InfoYou have been on here for many years, not much more can be written on the subject.

Wheel bearing advice | Good Sam Community

23 Replies

southernsky
Explorer
Mar 31, 2021
Do ours yearly, we travel around 10-15,000 miles. Tear them down, repack, change seal and adjust brakes.
ford_truck_guy
Nomad
Mar 31, 2021
I HAD those zerks 2 RV's ago and never used them...

I will tear down the components at the beginning of each year to visually inspect. If the outter bearings or shaft look questionable, I will tear down into the inners and re do the seals as well.. For normal wear, I will repack each assembly probably every 2 years.

disclaimer - - I am not a full timer, we are just weekend warriors , last year we only took 4 trips for a total RV rolling miles of about 3500 miles total.the truck did 5000 miles total last year
NMDriver2
Explorer
Mar 31, 2021
I check at the beginning of each long trip by removing the center cap. I also check the tire and hub temperature as I make stops along the way. If you use the back of your hand near the center cap as you walk around the unit you will notice any hub that is hotter than the others. Water submersion is the main reason to repack in my experience. I have gone through flooded areas and needed to repack right away and if I keep the axles out of the water I have waited as long as 20,000 miles and 5 years on the RV. On the boat I repack at the beginning of each season and check as mentioned above each time it is in the water.

Forum Discussion

Wheel bearing advice

23 Replies

About Fifth Wheel Group

Related Content

Wheel bearing repacking

Wheel Bearings

Wheel Bearing Repack

Wheel Bearings

Wheel Bearings