how long or how many miles do bearings last?

[plasticmaster]

How many miles or years can one get from a set of bearings? My TT with Dexter axles and hubs has 28K miles on it and every time I clean and repack the bearings they still look brand new. Therefore, I keep using them. Is this okay?

[stufarmer]

72cougarxr7 wrote:

stufarmer wrote:
As often as this subject has been questioned, I've never commented because 90% of the suggestions are relatively acceptable. So now, my 2$. I clean and repack the Wheel Bearings soon after ownership. If they're not Timken Bearings, I replace them. The Seals, if from China, they're tossed. I use Amsoil Synthetic W/B Grease. After that, it's at each brake inspection. That's usage based. Flat land Florida, or the Rockies & Sierras... Or immediately at any sign of grease on the front or back the Wheels.

Great suggestions! Using a quality bearing and seal and a great synthetic grease like Amsoil will certainly give you many trouble free miles.

Have you noticed when you pull the bearings on a fairly new trailer, it seems like the factory barely greases the bearings? Like they are rationing the grease and they have figured out .5 ounces of grease will get them out of warranty!

My exact reason for the soon as possible....

[72cougarxr7]

stufarmer wrote:
As often as this subject has been questioned, I've never commented because 90% of the suggestions are relatively acceptable. So now, my 2$. I clean and repack the Wheel Bearings soon after ownership. If they're not Timken Bearings, I replace them. The Seals, if from China, they're tossed. I use Amsoil Synthetic W/B Grease. After that, it's at each brake inspection. That's usage based. Flat land Florida, or the Rockies & Sierras... Or immediately at any sign of grease on the front or back the Wheels.

Great suggestions! Using a quality bearing and seal and a great synthetic grease like Amsoil will certainly give you many trouble free miles.

Have you noticed when you pull the bearings on a fairly new trailer, it seems like the factory barely greases the bearings? Like they are rationing the grease and they have figured out .5 ounces of grease will get them out of warranty!

[trail-explorer]

So long as they are kept lubed and adjusted properly (when installed or repacked) they really won't wear out.

[stufarmer]

As often as this subject has been questioned, I've never commented because 90% of the suggestions are relatively acceptable. So now, my 2$. I clean and repack the Wheel Bearings soon after ownership. If they're not Timken Bearings, I replace them. The Seals, if from China, they're tossed. I use Amsoil Synthetic W/B Grease. After that, it's at each brake inspection. That's usage based. Flat land Florida, or the Rockies & Sierras... Or immediately at any sign of grease on the front or back the Wheels.

[itguy08]

Lynnmor wrote:
I'm from PA as well. The only way to measure brake wear is to remove the hubs. The problem is some doofus will destroy all the hard work you did to get things right. The folks on here that don't pull their hubs and inspect is the reason we have these stupid inspection stations.

Yeah - I figure I'll repack mine yearly right after the inspection! 🙂

[Lynnmor]

I'm from PA as well. The only way to measure brake wear is to remove the hubs. The problem is some doofus will destroy all the hard work you did to get things right. The folks on here that don't pull their hubs and inspect is the reason we have these stupid inspection stations.

[itguy08]

jfkmk wrote:

Mosseater, they actually remove the hub? What are they looking for?

They inspect the brake linings and drums. Checking for minimum thickness.

[jfkmk]

mosseater wrote:
There are more bearings and seals ruined by mishandling than actual wear and tear, by a wide margin. Keep them clean, repacked, and properly adjusted and they will outlast you.

Here in PA where we have mandatory yearly inspections, each trip to the garage is an opportunity for mishandling, introduction of dirt, too tight or too loose, nicked seals, etc. I find it irritating and unnecessary, but the gubbermint says we have to. It isn't rocket surgery, but it still needs to be done properly.

Mosseater, they actually remove the hub? What are they looking for?

[mosseater]

There are more bearings and seals ruined by mishandling than actual wear and tear, by a wide margin. Keep them clean, repacked, and properly adjusted and they will outlast you.

Here in PA where we have mandatory yearly inspections, each trip to the garage is an opportunity for mishandling, introduction of dirt, too tight or too loose, nicked seals, etc. I find it irritating and unnecessary, but the gubbermint says we have to. It isn't rocket surgery, but it still needs to be done properly.

[steve-n-vicki]

what is this bearings and races stuff? I thought they were cones and cups?

[campigloo]

Some of that depends on how much you use the trailer. 5 or 6 weekend trips a year? Inspect and grease yearly. 20k a year? Every 4 or 5 years will work. Keep tabs on them. When you stop, touch the hub. It should be cool to the touch. Letting one sit for long periods allows the grease to seperate, therefore losing its lubrication ability.

[wvabeer]

The only thing that destroys bearings is water and dirt. Sitting long periods with moisture getting to them can shorten life. Repack your wheel bearings at least every three years on a non boat trailer. Bearing buddies are a joke on anything but a boat trailer and I have doubts about that too.

[Trackrig]

Two recent discussions on bearings:

#1

#2

Bill

[jfkmk]

TucsonJim wrote:
The reason they look "brand new" is that you are cleaning and repacking them. As long as you maintain them, there is no reason to expect them to wear out.

X2!