My bearing failure story
This weekend I had a bearing failure on my trailer. I had no idea until somebody flagged me down with frantic hand gestures. I knew something was wrong but didn't know what. I looked in my mirrors but...
Forum Discussion
mkirsch wrote:
One big difference with wheel bearings on a vehicle is that you can FEEL and HEAR them failing. You just have to be observant enough to realize that growling noise is a problem, and get it fixed.
As for "catastrophic failure," that means that bearings do not suddenly fail without warning. When they are allowed to fail, it's sure "catastrophic" but there are plenty of warning signs ahead of time.
Actually, my one 4x2 truck they DID fail WITHOUT WARNING, NO NOISE, NO GROWLING, NO CHANGE TO FEELING (VIBRATION).. All I felt was a tug on the steering wheel TOWARDS the side that FAILED.
Stopped immediately on the side of the road and could smell burning grease on the side that failed (hub cap was on the wheel).
Got back in and gently drove on the shoulder barely even registering any speed 1/4 mile to a Sam's club parking lot. Jacked up the offending side and found LOTS of play with the bearings.
I was driving and heard no noise so your theory is invalid.
Lack of grease IS the main culprit to failure..
