I have a Jayco 28BHS that is almost 6 years old. I have towed it about 20K miles. Other than putting new tires on it, I've never done anything for the hubs, bearings, brakes, etc. I don't have the EZ lube axles. Is there anything that I need to do? Other than changing a flat tire, I don't have experience with things like trailer axles, hubs, etc. Thanks for any help.

Yes, you should grease the hubs and probably adjust the brakes. It is not hard. There is a complete tutorial, complete with pictures of how to do it, made by our member JBarca, here.I suggest you read it, then decide if it is something you want to tackle. If not, then you should take it to a dealer or someone who can do it for you. It is past due.Barney

Since you did not have the means to add grease the bearings should be serviced and inspected. The brakes are easy to adjust and work very similar to brake adjustment of drum brakes from yesteryear. My next travel trailer will have self adjusters though.

You really should adjust the brakes at least yearly.

I was advised long ago to have my new trailer wheel bearings "re'greased" as the rigs come from the factory with little or no grease in them.Given this information, I ignored the advice and waited a couple years as we didn't use the trailer much.After that, we retired, so I had new tires (old ones aged out) and had bearings checked. Guess what....I was lucky. I actually saw the bearing when they were removed. Barely any grease was on all 4 sets.My trailer was brand new back then....2002 Jayco Eagle 5th wheel.Getter done!

How do I know which bearing set to get? What all comes with the set?

axle, hub, bearing question | Good Sam Community

Montana_Mike
Explorer
Mar 13, 2014
If you feel better filling the whole hub its not going to hurt a thing. I just don't like cleaning out all that old grease and it seams clean.
GrandpaKip
Explorer II
Mar 12, 2014
plasticmaster wrote:
This may be a dumb question, but if there is no sign of grease leaking on either side of the hubs and all four wheels are keeping a consistant cool temperature while traveling, then why do anything?

Same reason you change the oil in your truck--preventive maintenance. Some things are better to take care of rather than waiting until they let you know there's a problem.
As a retired teacher, there are no dumb questions...
plasticmaster
Explorer
Mar 12, 2014
This may be a dumb question, but if there is no sign of grease leaking on either side of the hubs and all four wheels are keeping a consistant cool temperature while traveling, then why do anything?
jimw606
Explorer
Mar 12, 2014
I have always found a good hand packing is all that is needed. ( Boat trailers excluded)

If you do the math, it is amazing how slowly these bearings turn at any speed.
Tachdriver
Explorer
Mar 12, 2014
I have always filled the hubs, maybe its time that I changed my practices if this is not needed and wasteful of grease. :h

But it gives me a peace of mind, more is better and an offering to the Timken god.
Montana_Mike
Explorer
Mar 12, 2014
It does not take much grease in the bearing to do the job if the bearing is packed properly. It's the bearing that needs the grease not the whole inside of the hub. Boat trailers use bearing buddy's to keep pressure in the hub so as you back your boat trailer in and the hub cools quickly it creates a vacuum and can suck water in. I have packed wheel bearings for many years on cars and trailers and only a minimal amount of good quality of grease is needed. If you get the hub hot enough to get extra grease to flow into your bearing you have other problems. Just pack the bearing not the hub and service at recommended intervals.
Tachdriver
Explorer
Mar 12, 2014
Nice link and very helpful.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Mar 12, 2014
plasticmaster wrote:
Are there any pictures that show what damaged bearings look like? Also, what do I use to clean the bearings with so that I can inspect them?

Here ya' go:
bearing failure

The safe way is to use mineral spirits.
The cheaper and faster way is gasoline.
Are you feeling lucky today?
jimw606
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
Here is one of many video's you can find.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6ndN_9NQL4
plasticmaster
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
Are there any pictures that show what damaged bearings look like? Also, what do I use to clean the bearings with so that I can inspect them?