re-packing greasing the bearings / axle
Hello, how often should I be re-packing the bearings ? I have a 2003 forest river salem le If I don't tow it much, should I be doing it less often ? I've owned it for 3 years, only towed ...
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2112 wrote:Happy.Camper wrote:YES!
If I do the "test" jack them up, shake the wheel to see if loose, then turn wheel to see if it grinds, and all is good, is that sufficiant ?
This and a touch temp test. Tow it about 20 miles at ~60 mph, pull over and touch each hub. If they don't feel hot to the touch you are good to go. Considering how little you tow you may never need to repack your bearings.
Happy camper -you are getting quite the collection of truths, half truths, and outright fantasies for answers.
NO, if you turn the wheel and feel grinding, it is an indication that the bearing has already failed, necessitating replacement of the bearing and possibly more damage. Lack of grinding does NOT mean the bearings are adequately packed.
If you've ever held a wrench in your hand, you can probably repack your bearings. Watch some you tube videos to see if you would be comfortable doing the job. If not, get a mechanic you trust to do the job for you. Then you can probably go several years before the next repack.
Something to keep in mind is if the bearings haven't been repacked in many years, chances are the brakes haven't been checked, cleaned and adjusted. Assuming you have drum brakes, they probably are NOT self adjusting.
Whether you do the job yourself or have it done, it should give you years of trouble free towing. Just my opinion, but even at $300 it would be worth the peace of mind. Nothing like starting a trip with a catestrophic bearing failure that could have been avoided.
