DIY vs. "professional" maintenance

[iwannagetgoin]

Took our 26' tow-behind to a local brake shop after reading advice on wheel bearing lubrication and deciding I didn't have the tools & talent. Watching "professional" perform jacking, hub-removal and reinstallation I noticed three things: 1. jack placed under axle; 2. spindle not wiped clean before replacing hubs; and 3. new seals not used (according to bill). Each item contradicted tutorials I'd read or viewed leaving me to wonder if I shouldn't have attempted the work myself. Would any of the three "mistakes" constitute a serious offense?

[time2roll]

Truth is that your trailer is probably fine for 2 to 10 years.
Nothing he did should cause any issue. The critical point is setting the spindle nut where there was no comment.

Also did he use a torque wrench on the lugs?

[Dog_Folks]

The quality of work in any industry, or do-it-yourself is only as good as the person performing it.

Find another shop.

I would stay with the pros, as I CAN repack wheel bearings, but hate it.

[midnightsadie]

well if you take it apart?? you might as well do the job right. its not hard just messy. and popping the seals is easy. puting them back in is the hardest of the hole job but still can be done by any body. yep you got a half as job.

[DaHose]

Not serious problems, but illustrates how an observant and skilled owner can at times do "better" work than a shop. They were focused on doing JUST what you asked for and nothing more. You would take your time and do little things that just make for a better end result.

I do essentially ALL my own work from mechanical to fabrication on every vehicle I own. I do use a shop when time or inconvenience is a factor, but the shops I go to understand that I am fully qualified to do the work. As such, the relationships are less customer/service provider and feel more like professional courtesy. If you can develop that kind of relationship with a shop, it goes a long way toward peace of mind and adequate repair work.

Jose