Wheel bearings

smkettner wrote:
Just saying that is why is comes up. 12mo/12k miles seems like too much.
I did mine at two years and replaced two bearings. Now it has been five more years and if I find the time and energy I may do it again.

Manufactures are funny. On my door I have a stick that says, "you must check lug nut tightness every 50 miles." ROTFLMAO ya, like I'm going to do that. :R Now I'm sure there are people, (maybe on this forum?) that think I'm reckless because I don't check my lug nuts every 50 miles. After all, the manufacture of my trailer said to do so. :R

Manufactures make things. Their lawyers try to make sure they stay in business and don't lose money on law suits.

Just saying that is why is comes up. 12mo/12k miles seems like too much.
I did mine at two years and replaced two bearings. Now it has been five more years and if I find the time and energy I may do it again.

smkettner wrote:

Ron3rd wrote:

mark5w wrote:
What is so different with RV wheel bearings that they have to be packed at least every year or two. My truck and car does not require this yearly maintenance, why does the RV axles??

Who told you that have to be packed every year or two? Did you read that on the internet?

The axle manufacturer's website gives this as oem information.

The trailer was a year old. I put 6 pumps of the blue marine grease through all 4 zerks (or whatever they are called) on the hubs, then set off across the country and back to Utah-about 8,000 miles. The hubs ran consistently cool (checked with IR gun). So, I am not worried about the bearings.

Ron3rd wrote:

mark5w wrote:
What is so different with RV wheel bearings that they have to be packed at least every year or two. My truck and car does not require this yearly maintenance, why does the RV axles??

Who told you that have to be packed every year or two? Did you read that on the internet?

The axle manufacturer's website gives this as oem information.

Sitting doesn't bother them either. My TT sits for 7~8 months every years in the damp PNW and it has had no effect on them. I just restored a car that had been sitting for 13 years and the wheel bearings were in perfect condition.

westend
I assume you are referring to the permanently sealed bearings used in the automotive industry today… my own experience with them is they are slightly more problematic than when they used standard bearings in the front and oil bath in the rear and generally grossly more expensive… I use permanently sealed bearings for cross country racing but with them you just replaced them before they go bad because they go from bad to ruined so quickly…
One problem with a trailer is there can be a wheel vibration or noise at speed and you will never hear it… chances are you can’t save it nor is it worth trying at that point, but it normally makes it to the garage instead of failing along the highway in the auto…

Regularly scheduled maintenance is the key for trailer bearings… the scheduled timing could effectively be quite long, or relatively short, depending on use… one’s own comfort level may be just as important…

Ron3rd wrote:

mark5w wrote:
What is so different with RV wheel bearings that they have to be packed at least every year or two. My truck and car does not require this yearly maintenance, why does the RV axles??

Who told you that have to be packed every year or two? Did you read that on the internet?

Dexter Operation and Service Manual, 600-8000 lb Axles wrote:
Bearing Lubrication - Grease
Along with bearing adjustment, proper lubrication is essential to the proper function and reliability of your trailer axle. Bearings should be lubricated every 12 months or 12,000 miles. The method to repack bearing cones is as follows:

I have found that to be overkill in my case. I do it every two years and from the look of the bearings, could probably go more.

mark5w wrote:
What is so different with RV wheel bearings that they have to be packed at least every year or two. My truck and car does not require this yearly maintenance, why does the RV axles??

They are two different types of bearings. The bearings on your car are sealed and the bearings on trailer axles are not. It's also very likely the auto bearings are built differently than the trailer set.
You can take your chances and measure heat or kick a wheel but by the time the heat is elevated or a wheel is loose, you'll need to replace the bearings. I think having a maintenance schedule is a good thing. Even if the additional work is not needed, it gives the owner a chance for inspection. Knowing that you've at least looked at the bearings and brake parts can be a good feeling when you're rolling down that long grade.

Along with sitting there's also a weight issue.

A 12k RV on two axles is far more stress on bearings than a standard sized car.

The once a year repack is old school thinking that permeates this forum. Check temps with the $25.00 IR gun from Harbor Freight at every stop and go from there!