Trailer Bearings

[papajoe222]

I do a mid-summer clean up/check up of most of my fishing stuff, mostly to reorganize tackle and clean up my reels. I was wondering, as I do a lot of trailering, if I shouldn't break down the hubs on my trailer and flush/lube the bearings. I keep the Bearing Buddies full of grease throughout the season. Would it be worth the effort to do?

[Way2slow]

I usually pull mine and clean them every fall after fishing has slowed down unless I go on into fishing for stripers, then I let it go until I get ready to start early spring bass. I pull mine, knock the inner bearings out, clean, inspect, repack and install new seals. If a bearing or race does not look perfect, I replace the whole set in that wheel. After doing this, I take a grease gun with me and give them a shot of grease when I get to the ramp for the first couple of trips, then I just give them a shot of grease every four or five trips. When you add grease with a grease gun, do it when they have been towed a while and warmed up, that will help keep the from pushing the bearing cap off. Which can happen if you put too much when they cold. Been doing the for 50 years and thousands of miles of towing and have never had a bearing failure.

[A-Jay]

I pull & service mine at the start of every season as part of the annual "pre-fishing season Check list".  

 

Experience has shown that at least for my own situation, this is more than sufficient.

 

 Seems I replace the bearings & tires  every 5 years or so.  

 

Though my trailer is relatively small, I'm often hauling it out into some remote areas and I like the confidence of knowing I have a handle on the condition of my equipment.

 

Of course anything mechanical can & will fail but new & maintained has at least for me, has reduced the likely hood.

 

A-Jay

[BobP]

If you do lots of trailering, especially for distances, I'd pull the bearings every year, clean, and check them.  If you see any little thing on them - replace them both.  I also keep a box in the truck with a set of new seals and bearings, pre-lubed, with the tools necessary to change them if I break down on the road.  It's cheap insurance to avoid a really bad day.  I agree with Way2slow about adding grease to your hubs.  It's not hard to pump it in too fast and blow the seal out the back of the hub.  I don't warm mine up first, but I pump it in SLOWLY. 

[Lund Explorer]

I always check mine in the fall when it's time to winterize the boat.  If repairs are needed, I've got all winter to take care of it.

 

Only thing I do in the summer is to physically grab the hubs with my hands during a pit stop or after a long haul.  Excessive heat means trouble.