Trailer Bearings – one of the most commonly overlooked trailer part also happens to be one of the most important

When compared to other types of rolling stock or work equipment, a trailer has very few parts that are absolutely critical to its function and performance. Of the 15-20 basic components that go into a typical trailer, the two most important are the coupler and the hub. It’s the relationship the coupler and the hub have to the trailer and the tow vehicle that make them so important.

In simplest terms, the coupler is the connection between a trailer and tow vehicle and the hub is the connection between the wheel and axle. Recognizing when a coupler requires repair or maintenance doesn’t take a lot of thought. It’s easily spotted when hooking up to the ball mount and usually easily fixed with a coupler repair kit. However, the fact that a hub has internal parts, which are not in plain sight, is what makes this the single most important part on a trailer.

Trailers equipped with electric drum brakes need a little more attention than those with idler hubs (those without brakes) but neither type of hub is maintenance free and both require attention and regular maintenance.  Even though hubs and brakes are technically separate components, they rely on each other for their function. When brakes are actuated, a foot pushes down on a brake pedal. Brake pads are proportionally pushed outward and apply pressure on a polished surface within the hub called a drum to slow down or stop a hub. The brake assembly itself is stationary and bolted directly to the axle brake flange. The hub is designed to revolve freely on the axle spindle around the brake. These components use very simple designs and, in some cases, designs that haven’t changed in over fifty years. Even so, it’s very common for clearances and tolerances within these components to measure down to a fraction of millimeter, yet they are extremely easy to check and important to maintain.

Bearings are central to a hub’s operation.  The inner and outer bearings ride on the outside of the axle spindle and inside hub enables a hub and wheel to spin freely. A regular lube and bearing job is as critical to a trailer hub as an oil change is to an automobile engine.  In fact, just as a 3,000 mile oil check and change is recommended for most vehicles, a bearing job is recommended every 12,000 miles or once a year for most trailers. This is a relatively inexpensive and easy operation for the "Do-It-Yourself" individual. It amounts to a few hours and a cost of around $25.00 for most well-maintained trailers.

Basic steps include:

·         lift trailer

·         remove and inspect trailer wheel

·         remove and inspect trailer hub  

·         remove dust, oil, or grease hub cap  

·         remove seals

·         remove bearings

·         check and inner and outer bearings

·         replace damaged bearings

·         lubricate inner and outer bearings  

·         replace old seals with new ones  

·         reassemble hubs

·         lower trailer

A bearing job is not only the single most important part of a regular maintenance routine, but it is also the most commonly overlooked. It is speculated that bearing failure accounts for over 40% of the replacement axle sales out there. Neglected bearings and lack of regular hub maintenance can lead to catastrophic damage and costly repairs. When bearings lack grease, their operation is hindered and eventually they can “burn up.” When a bearing burns up, they prevent a hub and wheel from turning effectively and eventually lock or “cease.” When a hub ceases up, a spindle is damaged, and when a spindle is damaged, an axle is often going to have to be replaced.

So, investing a few dollars in replacement hub and bearing parts, and applying a little bearing and elbow grease once a season, is a wise investment that pays dividends. It also helps prevent headaches and costly repairs down the road.

Get all of your repair and maintenance parts at Nuera Trailer Parts, including bearings, grease and oil seals, dust, grease, oil hub caps, bearing grease, bearing protectors, a spare or replacement trailer hub assembly, and more.