Wheel Bearing Replacement - who to get to do at my home?

[linnemj]

When I backed our trailer into our driveway today I saw smoke coming from one of the driver's side wheels. It is apparent that I burned out a wheel bearing. I don't want to chance driving it any distance for repairs and are uncomfortable attempting to replace it myself.

What type company besides a mobile RV tech would come to my home to replace the bearing? We just moved to the Knoxville, TN area last week and I am unfamiliar with the area.

Thanks for your suggestions!

[cummins2014]

Sport45 wrote:

linnemj wrote:
When I backed our trailer into our driveway today I saw smoke coming from one of the driver's side wheels. It is apparent that I burned out a wheel bearing. I don't want to chance driving it any distance for repairs and are uncomfortable attempting to replace it myself.

What type company besides a mobile RV tech would come to my home to replace the bearing? We just moved to the Knoxville, TN area last week and I am unfamiliar with the area.

Thanks for your suggestions!

How far had it gone before you noticed the smoke?

Jack up that wheel and give it a spin. If it spins and doesn't exhibit more that 10 thou or so endshake just tow it to the shop (slowly) and have it fixed. They'll growl a long time before they come apart and the damage has already been done anyway.

Personally I would not move it, he could have got lucky ,and not ruined the spindle, if he moves it any distant he may just do it completely in, and then he's replacing the axle if the bearing seizes on the spindle.

[Sport45]

linnemj wrote:
When I backed our trailer into our driveway today I saw smoke coming from one of the driver's side wheels. It is apparent that I burned out a wheel bearing. I don't want to chance driving it any distance for repairs and are uncomfortable attempting to replace it myself.

What type company besides a mobile RV tech would come to my home to replace the bearing? We just moved to the Knoxville, TN area last week and I am unfamiliar with the area.

Thanks for your suggestions!

How far had it gone before you noticed the smoke?

Jack up that wheel and give it a spin. If it spins and doesn't exhibit more that 10 thou or so endshake just tow it to the shop (slowly) and have it fixed. They'll growl a long time before they come apart and the damage has already been done anyway.

[quingus]

Here in California when working the road had a tow company come out with a dolly tow for a trailer, haulmark. It had an extended tow arm to connect to the pintle. It's like training wheels for a locked up axle. Call your insurance AAA, progressive etc, let them know what you have. They should have a set for that. I say should. Good luck. BTW changing bearings and the race if you have to is very basic, just a bit greasy. Took me longer to pull the jack and set the stands up.

[trailertraveler]

If you have an RV road service plan like Allstate, Coachnet or Good Sam; call them. If nothing else, they can recommend someone that can do the work onsite. We had a bearing changed on the side of I-10 a few years ago. I've had them come to the house a couple of times to start a car with a dead battery and once to tow to the repair shop. The fact that it was at our house was never an issue as to whether they provided the covered services.

[Crabbypatty]

Depends on your axle manufacturer. My former Dexters I purchased all of my bearings etc from Redneck Trailer Supply. My new to me Sunnybrook has Lipperts, so I could have bought them through Lippert but Makarios RV was less money. Both ship and I carry spares with me.

Find out who makes your axles it should be with your owners papers. The Lippert actually has a placard on the rear of the axle.

Its not hard to do! Search youtube for wheel bearing maintenance and you'll will find a video to help you out!

Happy Trails

[Padlin]

My car mechanic does it. I'd drive it there as it's only 2 miles.

[fitznj]

If you have the appropriate jack, take the whole hub assembly off (usually 4 bolts hold it to the axle - which can be accessed from the back).

Then take the hub to any repair facility - any car mechanic should be able to do this - less than 1 hour unless the bearings got so hot that the bearing races have welded themselves to the hub. In this case just buy a new hub/brake assembly

Gerry

[B_O__Plenty]

Big truck repair centers usually have mobile rigs if you can't find anyone else. Why not just pull the wheel off and bring the hub assembly if you don't feel comfortable doing your own?

B.O.

[cyntdon2010]

our camper wheel bearing burn up and wheel caught on fire.

I discovered that bearings were too small, for the weight of the camper.

we had the axles changed out, good luck

[abc40kids]

I would Google RV repair in your area and call a few people and for what it's worth do a Yelp search on all you call. You might even try a couple local Rv dealers and explain your situation, they might give you a referal even a local campground might refer a good RV tech that will come to you.

[nineoaks2004]

Most mechanics will do it cheaper than an RV mechanic. Maybe even a friend or neighbor, it is not really hard to do just rather messy.